Marine energy developer Minesto has started sea trials of its first DG500 tidal energy converter in Holyhead, North Wales.
The firm says it has started commissioning the scheme in North Wales, involving deployment of its 500 kW-rated tidal kite on a commercial scale for the first time.
“The activities in Holyhead are progressing well and we are pleased to have moved on to the commissioning phase of the DG500 project,” said Minesto’s Chief Operating Officer David Collier. “The commissioning vessels are chartered, and the kite is in the water.
“We are now performing some initial commissioning steps both in Holyhead harbour and at the Holyhead Deep site, and then we will proceed with further kite operations in Holyhead Deep.”
The DG500 commissioning program consists of two main phases, starting with system functionality tests. Electricity generation will then follow.
Minesto’s Deep Green tidal energy converter is designed to operate in areas with low flow tidal streams and ocean currents. The company has secured €13 million of investment from the European Regional Development Fund to support the commercial development of its technology.