On Thursday, Minesto hosted a visit from Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government in Wales, at their UK head offices in Holyhead.
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.
Mark Drakeford was first shown around the recently refurbished facilities at Market Street by Minesto’s CEO Dr Martin Edlund together with Minesto UK staff. This was followed by a presentation of Minesto and the company’s Holyhead Deep project and establishment in Wales, before heading to Holyhead Boatyard to view the commercial-scale replica kite which has been built for the development of Minesto’s offshore services concept.
Minesto were delighted to host the Cabinet Secretary and be given the opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the tidal energy sector in Wales.
“We talked about what is needed from both the private and the public sector, in order to realise 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, our unique technology and our operation in North Wales”, says Martin Edlund.
Mark Drakeford said: “Wales has excellent natural resources and fantastic potential to be a world-leader in marine energy, so I was delighted to see the progress being made on Minesto’s ground-breaking initiative off the coast of Anglesey.
“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.”