Case ref: MLA/2017/00097
Licence ref: L/2017/00294/1

Case summary

Main content

Project description

Project title

Project background

Minesto UK Ltd is developing the Deep Green Holyhead Deep Project (the Project), west of Holyhead, Anglesey, North Wales.

The Project will be the first full-scale deployment of Minesto’s tidal energy concept, Deep Green, which uses underwater ‘kites’ to generate electricity. Deep Green’s ability to operate in deep water sites and low velocity currents will open up new areas to tidal energy projects and it is expected to provide significant advantages over fixed turbine technologies in terms of efficiency and operational costs. The Project will pave the way for the first full-scale commercial deployment, representing an important step towards Wales fulfilling its potential to become a world leader in marine renewable energy.

Anatec was commissioned by Minesto to prepare this Safety Zone Application for the Project, in accordance with Section 95 and Schedule 16 of the Energy Act 2004 and also the Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Safety Zones) (Application Procedures and Control of Access) Regulations 2007. The application is being made to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) which is the relevant regulatory authority for this project according to Section 13 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, given its scale and location in Welsh waters.

In line with the Government guidance (Ref. ), the document presents a description of the project, an overview of the planned activities at the site, a summary of the passing traffic and Navigation Risk Assessment (NRA), details of the safety zones being requested by the project with supporting justification, as well as the planned monitoring and policing procedures.

Feedback from consultation held with a cross-section of stakeholders about the proposed safety zones is also documented.

Please see the complete safety zone application as uploaded file.

Programme of works

The Project will consist of one prototype 0.5 megawatt (MW) fully submerged tidal energy power plant, known as a Deep Green Utility (DGU) unit or the power plant (or ‘kite’). The power plant will normally operate mid-water and be fixed to the seabed by a tether attached to a gravity base structure (GBS). There will also be an Offshore Support Buoy located approximately 229m from the GBS, and linked by cable for control and power export. (Note, there will be no export cable to shore associated with this initial stage.)

The installation is planned to start late summer 2017 and the Marine License will cover a 5 year operation period for the power plant. NRW have indicated that the Marine License is to be determined late March 2017.

Please see the complete safety zone application as uploaded file which includes the further project details and proposal of phased activities as well as the Safety Zone request by Minesto per phase for the Project.

Other information

Applicant details

Dr Martin Edlund / 01407762907 / ylva.hultgren@minesto.com
MINESTO UK LIMITED / 41-43 MARKET STREET HOLYHEAD Anglesey LL65 1UN / LL65 1UN

Date application submitted

Date application validated

Date initial decision made

Status