Swedish marine energy technology company Minesto, a developer of the Deep Green tidal and ocean current power plant, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Florida Atlantic University.
According to the agreement, the firm will develop a test site for the emergent technology off the Broward County coast. The aim is to assess the technical, environmental and economic feasibility to install commercial power plants in the Florida current.
The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) located at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a federally-designated U.S. research and testing centre. With a preliminary focus on the Gulf Stream, the center is used for research purposes to help boost the interest demand for marine renewable energy in the market.
Anders Jansson, CEO of Minesto, commented on the announcement: “It is truly exciting that we now will have the opportunity to explore the potential for Deep Green in the low velocity ocean current in the US.”
According to the estimates of US Department of Energy the Gulf Stream can supply almost 30% of the power consumption in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, which is up to 163TWh electricity. In financial terms, that’s equivalent to $15bn per year in sales of electricity.
“SNMREC is preparing unique testing facilities located in the Florida Current, where Minesto has assessed the ocean current resource to be favourable for Deep Green”, said Anders Jansson, CEO of Minesto.
“SNMREC are experienced in resource modelling, marine measurements, environmental assessments and regulatory framework helping Minesto to accelerate potential development in the US.”
Photo Source: The Engineer
