Minesto’s upgraded utility-scale tidal kites each set to deliver 3.5GWh of clean power annually

Swedish marine energy company Minesto has found that, based on analysed production data and verified simulations, its utility-scale Dragon Class tidal power plants are each projected to produce 3.5GWh of clean electricity per year at identified sites.

The power output projection is based on analysis of continuous electricity production runs with Minesto’s grid-connected power plant in Faroe Islands during the autumn, combined with new ‘record-level’ performance data from offshore testing with a Dragon Class scale model – D2.

These production data verify Minesto’s computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for larger-scale Dragon Class power plants, the company said.

“Based on the technology’s current performance and simulations, Minesto’s next-generation marine energy power plants will be commercially ready to demonstrate the viability of ocean energy as a valuable baseload contribution to the net-zero energy mix.

“These activities make us confident in our predictions of how much electricity a commercial power plant will generate over a year. Our offshore operations in Vestmannasund have provided us with two crucial learnings. First, the system operates and produces grid-compliant electricity stably over time. Second, it does so fully in line with expected results”, said Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.

The projected annual output of 3.5GWh for a D12 tidal kite – a system with 12-metre-long wing and a rated power of approximately 1.2MW –  is based on installations at identified sites such as the Hestfjord strait in the Faroe Islands where Minesto together with Faroese electric utility company SEV is working towards installation of a proposed first 10MW commercial array.

“The analysis enables us to conduct discussions with project investors and developers based on verified data. This is essential as we now gear up our customer and market development activities to commercialise our unique technology”, added Edlund.

To remind, Minesto introduced the Dragon Class range of power plants in September 2021. The new range of power plants represent an upgraded design from the company’s Deep Green technology, with increased performance and decreased manufacturing costs.

According to Minesto, it is currently in the procurement and manufacturing phase for five Dragon Class power plants for utility-scale and smaller microgrid installations.