The Deep Green ‘underwater kite’ marine power plant is now producing electricity in the waters off Northern Ireland. This is the first time ever a marine power plant designed for low velocity currents produces electricity at sea, anywhere in the world, and the ocean trials verify the ability to unlock ocean currents as a renewable energy source. “This is a break-through for the entire renewable energy industry,” said Minesto’s CEO Anders Jansson.

The breakthrough ocean trials with a 1:4 scale Deep Green power plant in Strangford Lough proves power production from slow currents using a surface-mounted installation, a concept that is directly transferable to full commercial installations in ocean currents. To date no one else has proven a viable case for ocean current power that has been verified through offshore trials.

Deep Green, developed by marine energy technology company Minesto, is the only known power plant that works cost-effectively in low velocity tidal and ocean currents.

“Our technology is indeed different from other marine power plants. It has been a long fight to get to the point where we are but when you have what we have, it is worth it,” said Anders Jansson, CEO, Minesto. “This is a break-through for the entire renewable energy industry. We will produce renewable electricity with high reliability to a cost that will compete, or even be lower, than conventional energy sources.”

Tags: Deep Green