Hundreds Of Energy Jobs For North Wales
Hundreds of jobs could be coming to North Wales thanks to a huge energy project.
There are plans for a £25million installation off the coast of Anglesey.
The proposals include building 20 energy-generating "kites" that'll create power from tidal and ocean currents.
They weigh 7 tonnes each and will be tethered to the sea bed, operating at least 15 metres below the water's surface.
It's hoped they'll create 10 Mega Watts of renewable electricity, which has the potential to supply 8000 homes.
Minesto, the Swedish firm behind the plans, has now decided to base its UK headquarters in north Wales as a result of securing nearly £10million in EU funding.
Around 30 jobs will be created initially, but there's the potential for hundreds more in the future.
In the long term the company says there'll be positions available in areas like manufacturing, offshore operations and new project development.
First Minister Carwyn Jones, said:
“I am delighted that our investment has helped pave the way for Minesto to set up its UK headquarters in North Wales.
“It will create high quality jobs in what is a rapidly expanding and important sector for Wales.
“We have extensive raw wave and tidal energy resources along our shorelines, and this is an excellent example of commercial solutions being developed in Wales to help drive our potential to be a world-leader in the marine energy market.
“This investment will not only help create greener and more efficient sources of energy, but will also create jobs and vital opportunities for growth in North Wales.”
Anders Jansson, CEO of Minesto said:
“Establishing Minesto UK Headquarters in North Wales is a strategic decision that can make Wales a global leader within marine energy.
“We have been working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that this investment will enable Minesto to move into commercialisation as well as to establish marine energy as a viable industry in North Wales and the UK.
“This is great news not only for us as a company, but also for Wales as a nation and the entire marine energy industry.”
The plans for Holyhead Deep are going up on public display at Holyhead Town Hall on Thursday.
