Tidal kite developer Minesto nears power generation in Faroe Islands

Swedish marine energy developer Minesto AB on Thursday said it has successfully connected the offshore site of its Faroe Islands project to the grid, but failed to commission the first tidal energy converter there.

The company explained that following the installation of the first DG100 device, a mechanical failure occurred in the mooring interface during the initial commissioning phase. Minesto said it has recovered the tidal kite system for service and will proceed with a re-fitting of the failed component.

Other than that, the site infrastructure in Vestmannasund is now operational, with the subsea export cable having been installed.

The company continues work towards electricity production at the site and expects to commence power plant operation once favourable tidal conditions and service lead times allow for it.

Minesto is working on the tidal kite project together with Faroese electric utility SEV. The latter in November 2018 committed to buying power from the two 100-kW units that will be hooked to the local power network.

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