Gallery: Welsh Finance Secretary checks out Minesto’s tidal kite

(Photos by Warren Cardwell)

Minesto hosted the visit from Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government in Wales, during which the opportunities and challenges for the tidal energy sector in Wales were discussed.

“We talked about what is needed from both the private and the public sector, in order to realize the tremendous potential for growth and clean energy production that the Welsh tidal resource holds. The Cabinet Secretary seemed to appreciate the reasoning for this and he seemed very interested in Minesto,” said Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.

Mark Drakeford was first shown around the recently refurbished facilities at Market Street in Holyhead, before being presented with the latest information on Minesto’s Holyhead Deep tidal project, set for deployment later this year.

This was followed by a visit to Holyhead Boatyard to view the commercial-scale replica kite which has been built for the development of Minesto’s offshore services concept.

Mark Drakeford said: “EU and Welsh Government backing has been key to the growth of this industry in Wales and in supporting Minesto’s decision to establish its UK headquarters in North Wales. It’s great to see this investment paving the way for new jobs and business opportunities, while supporting the company’s further expansion plans in the region.”

Among other things, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government is responsible for the strategic financial direction and management of the resources of the Welsh Government, and policy on and administration of EU structural funds.