Marine energy kite off to a flying start below Welsh waters

An innovative tidal energy device which acts like a kite has completed its latest trial below the sea.

Swedish company Minesto has been developing the DG500 system off the coast of north-west Wales.

The technology, given the name Deep Green, produces renewable energy by following the course of tidal streams and ocean currents under calm conditions.

The prototype has a 12-metre wing span which is capable of producing power for around 300 homes. The kite remains tethered to the seabed and follows a figure of eight motion dictated by the tides. The speed created by the device pushes water through a turbine attached to the back, which converts it into energy.  

Minesto’s chief operating officer David Collier commented on the technology’s progress: “This is a very significant step towards our ultimate goal of proving the complete DG500 system. I am very proud of the team as this accomplishment has been made possible only by the hard work and endeavour of everyone that has been involved in the design and development of the Deep Green technology over a number of years.”

Minesto plans to continue its programme of commissioning the device to verify its ability to generate electricity in a timely and efficient manner.

“The commissioning efforts have been performed in a safe and robust manner, which is especially important considering the many innovations involved in this first-of-its-kind project,” he added.

The company was awarded £11 million in 2015 from the European Union’s Regional Development Fund to help develop the Deep Green technology, accounting for 43 per cent of overall costs. The funding has been essential to advancing the project, according to the developers.

In a recent video, project controller Oishan Roberts commented: “We’re looking for a solution to replace fossil fuels. This project that we have now will be the start of what could potentially be one of the largest tidal sites in the world.”

 

Photo Credit: Minesto