Arup takes pride in Deep Green first

Having designed gravity-base foundation for Minesto’s Deep Green tidal energy plant, a multinational professional services firm Arup has welcomed the completion of the first offshore installation phase for the project.

The first offshore installation phase for Deep Green project – completed last week – involved the installation of the gravity-base structure at the seabed in Holyhead Deep site, off Wales.

Arup was commissioned by marine energy technology developer Minesto to produce a detailed design of a gravity foundation base onto which Minesto’s 500kW tidal kite turbine would be tethered.

Working on behalf of Minesto, the Holyhead Deep site was identified as the ideal location as the area provides low-flow tidal velocities of about 1.5-2 m/s mean peak flow at a depth of 80-100 meters.

Arup worked with Minesto to verify the gravity-base foundation’s design using naval architects, structural and marine engineers to ensure the best design was created for the structure.

The gravity base structure was constructed by Jones Bros Civil Engineering in a dry dock and towed out to the site and lowered to the seabed by ballasting its cells with water.

The installation of the foundation marked the entry into the next phase of the project – taking the UK one step closer to a low carbon energy mix.

Gordon Jackson, Arup’s lead designer of offshore structures, said: “This constitutes significant progress for Minesto and we are happy we could play a part in helping the UK transition towards a more sustainable energy future by designing the base structure. We utilized skills from across our energy team to deliver a detailed design for Minesto and it’s great to see the design now finalized, built and in place.”

As well as the installation of the Arup designed gravity-based structure, the bottom joint system that moors Minesto’s DG500 power plant to the foundation has also been installed.