The Welsh Government has announced its support to marine energy developer Minesto by awarding €14.9 million of EU funding for the next phase of Minesto’s tidal energy scheme in Wales.
Image: Welsh Government awards €14.9m of EU funding to Minesto. Photo: Courtesy of Minesto AB.
Commenting on the funding decision, Minesto’s CEO Dr Martin Edlund said: “This is a key contribution to the commercialisation of our technology and a strong sign of commitment from the Welsh Government. We are pleased to see that we share an agenda to industrialise tidal energy in Wales, to enable large-scale local clean energy production from Welsh tidal streams. By doing so we will enable long-term industrial development in North Wales.”
The €14.9 million European Regional Development Fund grant awarded through the Welsh Government will support the next phase of Minesto’s commercial development in Wales. The investment will facilitate:
Continued site development and operations at Minesto’s Holyhead Deep site 6km off the coast of Anglesey.
Enhancement of Minesto’s utility-scale product range.
Installation and operation of an additional, uprated (at least 50 percent higher than current 0.5MW system) unit in Holyhead Deep.
Strengthened manufacturing and assembling capability.
Securing permits and consents for expanding the Holyhead Deep site towards a commercial 80 MW tidal energy farm.
Design of subsea infrastructure for the 80MW site development.
Counsel General and Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles, responsible for overseeing European funds in Wales, said: “Generating energy from renewable sources is not only vital in creating a low-carbon economy and contributing to the global challenge of climate change, it also provides Wales with a real opportunity to be at the forefront of a major emerging industry.”
Economy Minister and Minister for North Wales, Ken Skates added: “This significant investment will take Minesto’s operation to the next level, supporting the expansion of the company’s manufacturing and assembly capacity at its North Wales base. It’s good news for jobs in the area, as well as a big boost to the local supply chain.”
Source: Company Press Release