Minesto closer to commissioning tidal kite units at Faroe Islands site

Swedish marine energy developer Minesto AB (FRA:7MN) said it is making progress with the commissioning of its DG 100 tidal kite system in the Vestmannasund strait, Faroe Islands.

“So far, we have verified the main functions of the DG100 system: kite launch and recovery procedures, kite flight control, start and stop commands, slack water turns, and electricity production mode”, said Minesto CEO Martin Edlund.

The Vestmannasund project will see two 100-kW units of kite-shaped tidal energy converters grid-connected and generating electricity for the Faroe Islands. Faroese electric utility SEV will be off-taking the output under a purchase power agreement (PPA).

This summer, the company successfully connected the offshore site of its project to the grid, but failed to commission the first DG100 tidal kite device there because of a mechanical failure in the mooring interface.

In a statement on Friday, Minesto said it currently has a team of around 15 people on location working on commissioning the units.

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