Minesto outlines tidal array build-out plan to bolster energy transition of the Faroe Islands

Swedish marine energy developer Minesto has launched a detailed plan for large-scale build-out of tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands that will help bring the island country closer to 100% renewable energy.

The plan includes four new verified sites that would supply 40% of the nation’s growing electricity consumption, enabling the Faroe Islands to reach its policy goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030, according to Minesto.

Together with utility company SEV, Minesto has presented the plan to a wide range of policy and local community stakeholders – including the Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, Industry and Trade – and, in the company’s words, ‘it has been received very positively.’

The large-scale build-out plan sets out a stepwise installation of tidal kite arrays, each with 20-40MW installed capacity, at four verified locations.

In addition to Minesto’s existing grid-connected site in Vestmannasund, the company has pointed out Hestfjord, Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord as ideal for tidal energy arrays.

With a total capacity of 120MW tidal energy, generating an estimated 350GWh per year, the arrays would supply 40% of the Faroe Islands’ growing electricity consumption, Minesto informed.

Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, said: “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the joint presentation tour together with SEV, and the interest and positive response of our build-out plan. In our dialogue with the Faroese community, all key aspects of full integration of Minesto’s tidal technology into the islands´ energy system have been covered.

“This includes environmental permitting, legislation for sea-bed access, local partnerships regarding port-access, manufacturing, and funding.”

During 2022, the first step is to expand the existing grid-connected site in Vestmannasund, establishing a mini array with three systems at a total installed capacity of 1.4MW.

The second step, planning and permitting ongoing, is a 10MW array in Hestfjord, with direct electricity distribution to nearby capital Torshavn.

After that, further build-out of Hestfjord will follow, as well as stepwise build-out of Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord. In total, this makes it possible to deliver a cost-effective path to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

As every nation seeks to secure a clean, reliable, and independent energy system, there’s a rising need for complementary components such as energy storage and predictable production of energy.

The Faroe Islands has one of the world’s most ambitious schemes for green transition, where tidal energy can be crucial to balance the seasonal variations and unpredictability of wind and solar.

“If we can unlock the potential of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands, in both economic and technical terms, to deliver predictable energy to the Faroese energy system, it can disrupt the energy mix in the islands. A diversified renewable energy mix, including tidal energy, can lower the total installed capacity and the need for energy storage,” said Terji Nielsen, head of SEVs R&D department. 

Furthermore, the phase shift of the tidal flows in the different fjords provides valuable flexibility and a continuous supply of electricity into the grid. This approach reduces the investment significantly, Minesto claims.

“As we’re in the forefront of creating a completely new industry, where we intend to add predictable tidal energy to the global energy mix, we’re thrilled to support the Faroe Islands in their explorative and ambitious journey towards a balanced energy system,” said Edlund.

“We’re a small country, but we’re a complete country. We are small scale but full scale. We can lead the way also for other island and coastal communities. We are looking forward to this journey together, still a lot of work remains, but very promising,” added Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of SEV.

To remind, Minesto recently decided to strengthen the focus of its operations on Faroe Islands for its Dragon Class tidal energy converters to mitigate expected supply chain delays at other development sites.

At the same time, Minesto said this would allow the company to take advantage of significant synergies and new opportunities for more cost-effective operations, electricity production under an existing power purchase agreement (PPA) with SEV, and hence accelerate commercial roll out of its tidal energy technology.

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