The inaugural underwater tidal kite has successfully begun supplying electricity to the power grid

An innovative way for harnessing renewable energy from the seas has been effectively implemented, using a technique that may be recognizable to a wide audience. It emulates the motion of a kite to effectively harness energy from tidal and ocean currents. Furthermore, it is now supplying electrical power to the grid in the Faroe Islands.

A Swedish company called Minesto that specializes in maritime energy technologies created the power generator. Their tidal energy kite is not a trivial or insignificant object. The wingspan of the object is 12 meters (equivalent to 39 feet), and its weight is 28 tons. However, the weight is inconsequential when submerged in water. The Dragon 12, also known as such, has been positioned in a confined passage between the islands and securely fastened to the ocean bed.

The design of the tidal kite enables it to perform repetitive and constant figure-of-eight motions, ensuring a rapid and continuous flow around the instrument. The flow of water rotates a turbine, which produces power and transmits it via the tether to the shore via cables laid on the sea bottom. The Dragon 12 turbine has a power rating of 1.2 megawatts. While Minesto has not disclosed the exact amount of electricity it is supplying to the approximately 55,000 island residents, at its peak capacity, it could meet the energy demands of around 1,000 households.

“Today is a significant milestone for Minesto.” We have achieved a momentous milestone in the company’s history by successfully generating energy at a large-scale power plant and supplying it to the grid. “We are filled with pride and joy, and our anticipation for the upcoming journey is stronger than ever,” said Dr. Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, in a news release.

The accomplishments of the Minesto team today are remarkable and have established a new framework for the expansion of renewable energy in various regions worldwide. The Dragon 12 is very competitive because to its direct and efficient performance, offering significant power output, cost-effectiveness, and reliable energy supply to the grid.

The cost of tidal power production using the Minesto arrangement seems to be much lower than previous tidal projects and just slightly higher than the cost of offshore wind turbines. The size of the operation may have an impact on this variability, which has the potential to be a viable alternative to offshore wind power production for two reasons.

One advantage is that the deployment of the tidal kite is far simpler, requiring less extensive technical efforts. Tidal currents exhibit consistent periodicity, unlike the fluctuation seen in wind patterns. It will be intriguing to see the forthcoming advancements in this technology.