Minesto’s Dragon 12 Tidal Energy Device Achieves 25% Power Increase
Swedish tidal energy developer Minesto has announced a significant milestone with its upgraded Dragon 12 tidal energy device deployed in Vestmannasund, Faroe Islands. The device has achieved a remarkable 25% increase in power output following the installation of a longer tether.
The company reported that the ten-meter extension to the tether, completed in mid-May, has resulted in performance improvements that align with previous simulation forecasts. This enhancement confirms the success of earlier modelling predictions.
Operational data gathered from the Dragon 12 device validates the production volumes outlined in Minesto’s business cases for commercial expansion in the Faroe Islands. This achievement reduces investor risks and strengthens the confidence in the project’s viability.
“We are really pleased to have Dragon 12 in operation with increased performance in solid alignment with computer simulated predictions. This underscores the electricity production volumes used in our Dragon farm business cases and thereby reduce investor risks,” said Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.
The Vestmanna site, serving as a demonstration platform, has attracted visits from utility partners, energy ministries, and potential commercial customers. Minesto aims to leverage the operational data and development plans to progress towards establishing a commercial-scale tidal array.
“With the generated Dragon 12 production data and solid build-out plans in place, we are eager to engage investors and partners in taking the next step towards the world’s first Dragon Farm – an array of Minesto’s unique power plants,” added Edlund.
Following an upgrade period, including the installation of a longer tether, Minesto resumed electricity production from its 1.2 MW Dragon 12 tidal kite, Luna, in Vestmannasund, Faroe Islands at the end of May.
In December 2024, Minesto finalized the design and technical specifications for its upgraded Dragon 12 tidal energy system, marking a significant step towards deploying the first Dragon farm at Hestfjord in the Faroe Islands.