Big Idea:

Swedish startup Minesto is revolutionizing renewable energy with Dragon 12, an underwater kite that harnesses tidal energy. This innovative technology, tapping into the predictable and potent forces of tidal streams and ocean currents, has the potential to provide 40% of the Faroe Islands' electricity, marking a significant leap in renewable energy generation and ocean power utilization.

Why It Matters:

The ocean is one of the most powerful forces on earth. This technology could transform our approach to renewable energy generation. The technology's scalability and minimal environmental impact open up exciting possibilities for a cleaner and more abundant energy future.

Key Details:

• The first offshore phase in Vestmanna, Faroe Islands, included installing a 3.4 km subsea cable linking the onshore grid to an offshore node.
• The Faroe Islands plan to fully transition to renewable energy, including hydro, wind, tidal, wave, and some solar power, by 2030.
• Minesto's technology resembles airplane-style underwater kites in a figure-eight pattern to efficiently capture energy from tidal and ocean currents.

“Our unique connection system shows the core of our innovative technology- fast, efficient, and easy to handle,” said Minesto CEO Martin Edlund

What's Next:

120MW of tidal kite capacity (enough for a city), significantly transforming the Faroe Islands' energy landscape.

The Intrigue:

The construction of renewable energy infrastructure often requires significant amounts of materials, including steel and concrete. The extraction and production of these materials have environmental impacts. Integrating large amounts of renewable energy into existing power grids may require upgrades to the existing infrastructure. 

By the Numbers:

• 28 tonnes is the approximate weight of the kite, not including the tether.
• 1.2 meters per second water currents are sufficient for the kites to generate electricity.
• 1000 homes can be powered by Dragon 12's 1.2MW clean electricity output, designed for large-scale energy projects with a 12-meter wingspan.