Minesto generates electricity for the first time with commercial-scale Deep Green tidal technology

Marine energy developer Minesto has announced that it has achieved initial electricity generation with its first commercial-scale marine energy kite. The kite utilises the company's patented and awarded Deep Green technology and is located at Holyhead Deep, off the coast of North Wales.

The kite is the first utility-scale system of the technology and is now in its second commissioning phase. It has a rated power capacity of 0.5 MW.

Deep Green is the only verified marine power plant that operates cost efficiently in areas with low-flow tidal streams and ocean currents. In May 2015, Minesto secured a EUR13 million (US$15 million) investment from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh European Funding Office for the commercial rollout of Deep Green.

Operating Minesto’s marine energy converter is very similar to flying a stunt kite in the air. By “flying” the subsea kite faster than the actual tidal flow, the Deep Green technology enhances the energy conversion compared to other tidal technologies. This makes it a commercial proposition applicable in vast areas around the world where no other known or verified technologies can operate cost effectively.