SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

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.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 €*

then 199 €/year

SUBSCRIBE — 99 € for the 1st year

Create a free account to read this article

*renews at 199€/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Brazil Mobilizes $1 Billion for 65 Hydropower Plants
BOEM validates final review for 30 offshore sales in the Gulf of America
India diversifies coking coal purchases, Australia retreats
Quebec allocates $1.5M to meet the demand for wind turbine technicians
Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies launch the first subsea CO2 injection in Norway
Eco Wave Power activates its first operational wave power station at the Port of Los Angeles
Swedish company Eco Wave Power has completed testing of its technology at the Port of Los Angeles, reaching a tangible milestone with the launch of its floaters to generate electricity from waves.
Georgia Power launches targeted upgrades on its aging hydropower fleet
Georgia Power continues technical upgrades at several hydroelectric plants in Georgia, with approval from the public regulator, to ensure the reliability of the state’s electricity grid.
ISDN acquires 51% of PT Funda to expand its hydropower assets in Indonesia
ISDN Holdings strengthens its position in Indonesia by acquiring a majority stake in PT Funda, integrating hydropower capabilities across the entire project lifecycle and consolidating its renewable energy investments.
Taiwan Allocates a Port Area to Wave Energy Through a Public Tender
The Port of Suao becomes the first site in Taiwan open to commercial testing of wave energy production, following the allocation of Lot C to I-KE International Ocean Energy Co., partner of Eco Wave Power.
Eco Wave Power Expands Global Presence Despite Rising Mid-Year Losses
With active projects across four continents and strong liquidity, Eco Wave Power accelerates its expansion strategy while absorbing a rise in operational costs in H1 2025.
Eco Wave Power completes installation of pilot project at the Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power has completed the full installation of its wave energy system at the Port of Los Angeles, paving the way for initial operational tests scheduled for September.
China launches 60 GW hydropower dam and creates dedicated public group
A 60-gigawatt hydropower dam under construction in Tibet will increase national capacity by 16%, with an estimated cost of $167bn supported by a new state entity.
Eco Wave Power installs its first wave energy floaters at the Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power has completed the installation of floaters for its pilot project in Los Angeles, marking a strategic milestone in the validation and commercialisation of its wave energy technology in the US market.
Brookfield invests up to $1 billion to increase its stake in Isagen
Brookfield Renewable announces an investment of up to $1 billion to increase its stake in the Colombian energy company Isagen to 38%. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is also co-investing to raise its stake to 15%.
China allocates $167.1bn for strategic dam in Tibet
Beijing has launched the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, with $167.1bn in public investment, drawing attention from New Delhi and downstream states.
Brookfield signs 3,000 MW agreement with Google for hydropower in the United States
Brookfield and Google formalise an unprecedented framework agreement to supply up to 3,000 MW of hydropower, with initial contracts worth more than $3 billion for facilities in Pennsylvania.
Eco Wave Power completes production of floaters for its wave energy pilot project in Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power Global AB announces the completion of floaters manufacturing for its first American pilot plant, marking a major step towards the imminent deployment of wave energy at the Port of Los Angeles.
Eco Wave Power receives €2.45mn from EU to deploy wave energy
Eco Wave Power Global AB joins a consortium funded with €2.45mn by the European Interreg Atlantic Area programme to accelerate commercial implementation of wave energy technologies in Atlantic coastal regions.
Minesto completes reorganization to optimize costs and prepare for commercial projects
Minesto has completed a reorganization that led to a 35% reduction in fixed costs and a focus on its future commercial projects. This reorganization includes geographical streamlining, a new management team, and a realignment of product development priorities.
Eco Wave Power obtains authorization to repurchase 10% of its ADS
Eco Wave Power shareholders approve renewed authorization to repurchase American Depositary Shares representing up to 10% of the company's total share capital, during the 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden.
Japan certifies 1.1MW tidal turbine connected to national grid
Proteus Marine Renewables' AR1100 tidal turbine, with a capacity of 1.1MW, obtains official Japanese certification and starts supplying electricity to the national grid after meeting stringent safety and reliability standards.
Minesto receives €2.1mn for tidal-powered microgrid project in Faroe Islands
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 inaugurates its first American project at the Port of Los Angeles
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.
Burundi Inaugurates Major $320 Million Hydroelectric Power Plant
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.
Agilitas Energy acquires two hydroelectric projects totalling 44 MW in the United States
Agilitas Energy purchases two advanced-stage hydroelectric projects in West Virginia and Maryland, marking its entry into hydropower to bolster its capacity on the U.S. power grid.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99