Minesto boosts Dragon 12 tidal turbine performance by 25%

Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.

Partagez:

Swedish marine energy developer Minesto announced that its Dragon 12 tidal power system, installed in the Vestmannasund strait in the Faroe Islands, has achieved a 25% improvement in energy output following a technical modification to its tether. The result validates internal simulation forecasts and represents a significant milestone toward the commercial development of this subsea turbine technology.

Technical upgrade and performance validation

The performance gain comes from a 10-metre extension to the tether securing the Dragon 12 unit, also known as Luna. This adjustment allows the device to access stronger tidal currents, directly improving energy yield. Minesto stated that the improvement had been predicted through numerical modelling, with on-site measurements now confirming the technical assumptions used to support its scale-up plans.

Minesto Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Edlund said the results support the projected output volumes for future deployments of the technology in the region. “We are very pleased with Dragon 12’s operation and performance in line with our predictions,” he said, adding that this helps reduce risk for investors in future projects.

Demonstration site and commercial ambitions

The Vestmanna site, already operational as a demonstration platform, also plays a strategic role in Minesto’s commercial development. According to the company, several delegations from utility partners, energy ministries and potential commercial customers recently visited the facility to observe the technology in live operation.

Minesto now aims to leverage these results to attract new partners and finance the construction of the first commercial Dragon Farm, which will group several Dragon 12 units. The company considers the project a world-first in grid-connected tidal energy installations.

“With Dragon 12 production data and a clear build-out plan, we are ready to engage investors for the next step,” said Dr Martin Edlund.

Swedish company Minesto will lead a consortium awarded €2.1 million funding to install an autonomous tidal-powered microgrid in the Faroe Islands aimed at off-grid communities.
Eco Wave Power Global AB will officially launch the first U.S. pilot wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles on September 9, in partnership with AltaSea, an organization specializing in innovative maritime solutions.
The Burundian government officially launches the first phase of the Jiji-Mulembwe hydroelectric complex, a strategic 49.5 MW capacity project aimed at enhancing national energy supply through substantial international financing.
The Russian company InterRAO anticipates a 4% annual reduction in electricity exports, primarily impacted by a significant decrease in shipments to China due to limited hydroelectric production and rising domestic demand.
The global hydropower plants market is projected to reach USD 318.3 billion by 2032, driven by growing demand for renewable energy, increased adoption of micro-hydropower plants, and heightened government support, according to a recent report.
Port-au-Prince is without electricity after residents of Mirebalais forcibly shut down a hydroelectric plant protesting government inaction amid escalating gang-related violence.
Globeleq acquires a majority stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, marking its entry into the Zambian energy market with two hydropower plants and a solar project.
The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.
Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.
Adani Group, a leader in renewable energy, plans to develop 10 GW of hydroelectric capacity in several Asian and African countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, and Vietnam, to strengthen its green portfolio and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The international technology group ANDRITZ has been selected to upgrade one of the units of Norway's largest run-of-river hydropower plant, Vamma, increasing its capacity by 22% while improving its energy efficiency.
Eco Wave Power and Lian Tat Sign a Historic Agreement to Develop the First Onshore Marine Energy Installation in Asia, Starting with a 100KW Pilot Project in Taiwan.
Uganda is undertaking the construction of three hydropower plants on the Nile to add 1,632 MW to its electricity capacity while exploring nuclear initiatives to diversify its energy mix in response to growing demand.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.
Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Tajikistan is imposing electricity restrictions due to dwindling water reserves, disrupting its hydroelectric plants and raising concerns about the country's ability to meet energy demand.