Minesto looks for tether connection supplier

Swedish tidal energy developer Minesto has opened a tender for a supplier of bottom joint tether connection for its Deep Green tidal kite.

Minesto is seeking to procure a bottom joint tether connection comprised of super duplex stainless steel and glass fiber reinforced plastic, according to the tender posted on Welsh government’s procurement site, Sell2Wales.

Minesto is developing a 500kW tidal power plant in form of a ‘flying’ kite tethered to the seabed.

The technology, known as Deep Green, produces electricity when the water current creates a hydrodynamic lift force on the wing which pushes the kite, tethered trough a single mooring to the sea floor, forward.

Minesto noted that the contract is suitable for consortia bidding, and that it is looking for a supplier with experience within construction of composite (glass fiber reinforced plastic) or super duplex stainless steel, either within the company or on a sub-contractual basis.

The tender is open for applications until January 18, 2017, while the contract award date has been set for February 10, 2017.

The Deep Green tidal power plant is planned for deployment off Wales in 2017.