Underwate kites that can harness power of se
PLANS to place giant underwater ‘kite’ power plants in the seas around Anglesey have been submitted to the island council.
Swedish marine energy firm Minesto has developed the Deep Green technology to produce electricity from low velocity tidal and ocean currents.
After work by Welsh university marine partnership Seacams on tidal currents and seabed conditions, it targeted waters off the coast at South Stack, Holyhead.
The firm wants to place 20, 12 metre wide, kites in the sea at depths of around 80m which are then tethered to bases on the seabed.
Now the firm has put in a request for a screening opinion to Anglesey council for an initial three kites that would produce 1.5MW of power.
Should this prove a success they then plan another 17 ‘kites’. They also want permission to bring the power on-shore at Penrhos beach.
If they are given the go-ahead work could start by the summer of 2016.
The project would create work during the installation and commissioning phases, which could take several years, and further maintenance roles.
Deep Green resembles a sweeping underwater kite, comprised of a wing and a turbine, which is secured to the seabed with a tether and moves with high speed in an 8-shaped path in the tidal or ocean current.
It is the only known technology in the world that is capable of producing energy in a cost-efficient manner in slow currents.
Joanna Lester, senior environmental consultant with Minesto agents Xodus Group, said: “The principal purpose of the 1.5MW Holyhead Deep Green Project is to demonstrate the first full scale installation of the devices and verify the viability of the array concept.
“Should the project prove successful Minesto intends to apply for a consent to install a further 17 units which will connect to the export cable installed as part of the 1.5MW Holyhead Deep Project.”
Any concerns over the impact on sealife are being addressed with sonar technology being trialled to ensure mammals like seals, dolphins and porpoises are not injured by the ‘kites’.
Extensive work has been carried out by Seacams on the seabed conditions and tidal currents which have been studied by Minesto.
Seacams is a Welsh research project that offers marine businesses access to research facilities, expertise and knowledge from Welsh Universities, including Bangor.
Following this screening opinion a full planning application is expected in September.