Planned tidal project swells to 80MW

A marine energy developer hopes to increase the capacity of a planned tidal array from 10MW to 80MW. Minesto has today announced plans to expand its proposed site in Holyhead Deep, North Wales, which […]

A marine energy developer hopes to increase the capacity of a planned tidal array from 10MW to 80MW.

Minesto has today announced plans to expand its proposed site in Holyhead Deep, North Wales, which will use the power of ocean waves to generate electricity using the firm’s Deep Green power plants.

The firm currently holds a lease agreement from the Crown Estate to install a 10MW project at the site but a new study reveals the spot is suitable for future deployment of up to 80MW. It has submitted the plans for approval.

The company says project economics for a 10MW installation were attractive but has realised that by increasing the scale of the project it could halve the costs.

Dr Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto said: “This substantial scale-up of the Holyhead Deep project’s commercial strength makes it even more attractive to site investors and creates early opportunities for sales of Deep Green power plants. This expansion enables economies of scale without us having to conduct parallel and costly site development.”

An initial 0.5MW commercial-scale demonstrator will be installed this year using EU funds – Minesto intends to develop the Holyhead Deep site in three phases.

The company’s ultimate goal is to see full industrial roll-out in North Wales and develop Holyhead into an assembly and export hub for international market expansion.

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