Underwater kites will be built in town
A DEAL will see an assembly hall built at Holyhead port for ground-breaking underwater kites to harness the power of the sea.
The hall will be built by Stena Line on its land but leased to Swedish company Minesto and used for the roll-out of Deep Green underwater kite technology, which should be able to power 80,000 homes after it is installed off the Anglesey coast.
The company recently announced plans to expand the project from 10MW to 80MW capacity.
The agreement for Stena Line to build an assembly hall, which will also be used for the maintenance of the kites, is described as a “key part” of the scheme.
Deep Green generates electricity by harnessing underwater currents in kites tethered to the sea floor.
Dr Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, said: “We are very pleased to have finalised this agreement.
“With its direct quay access for offshore transports, we have secured a unique location that suits us perfectly.
“In the establishment of our technology, it is also crucial to work with professional and long-term partners such as Stena Line.”
Björn Petrusson, chief commercial officer at Stena Line, said: “This investment creates value for Stena Line in several ways and demonstrates opportunities in port operations linked ocean renewables.”
Anglesey Council leader and energy island portfolio holder Ieuan W Williams said: “This positive news puts Anglesey firmly on the international marine energy map.
“It’s good to see Energy Island’s vision of developing our island into a centre of excellence in low carbon energy taking shape, attracting worldclass companies and creating jobs here.”
Following the planned installation of the first 0.5 MW commercial-scale demonstrator this year – backed with EU funds through the Welsh Government – deploy-andmonitor approach.
The assembly hall is scheduled for completion in June this year. to