#Sweden #Gothenburg #Minesto #tidal energy #Hestfjord

Minesto's First Tidal Energy Dragon Farm

On February 3rd, 2025, Minesto, a pioneer in ocean energy development, organized a seminar at the Nordic House in Torshavn, attracting a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, local suppliers, and members of the public. At the event, CEO Martin Edlund presented the company's vision for a sustainable energy future for the Faroe Islands, outlining a roadmap for a significant 200MW tidal farm in the region.

Minesto's initiative marks an essential step towards realizing the first-ever tidal energy Dragon farm, set to be established in Hestfjord. This ambitious project is not only about harnessing renewable energy but also about fostering partnerships within the community, as highlighted by the participation of key figures like Hákun Djurhuus, the CEO of the Faroese utility company, Sev.

Edlund emphasized that the unique tidal stream resources available in the Faroe Islands, combined with strong local partnerships, make it an ideal location for this groundbreaking effort. He stated, "Selecting Faroe Islands as our step-in market is motivated by the strong political will and our partner SEV's determination to drive the energy transition toward net-zero emissions."

The panel discussion featured insights from both Edlund and Djurhuus, who collectively focused on the potential of tidal energy in achieving a fully renewable electricity generation target. Djurhuus expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, "Our vision is to reach 100% sustainable electricity generation, with tidal power's reliability being the key enabler for this target."

At the heart of the seminar was the potential of the Hestfjord Dragon Farm to not only integrate into the Faroese electricity grid but also enhance energy security and reduce overall investment needs for renewable transitions. Edlund highlighted the importance of local involvement, indicating that there’s a growing interest among Faroese investors and stakeholders eager to participate in this transformative journey.

"The Hestjord Dragon Farm will be a first-of-its-kind tidal energy array, and we are actively collaborating with Sev and the community to plan essential infrastructure and secure necessary permits," Edlund remarked.

Djurhuus reiterated Sev's determination to support the project, clarifying that their role extends to providing crucial onshore infrastructure and committing to purchasing electricity generated by the tidal farm.

Following the successful seminar, both leaders expressed optimism about the next steps in bringing this unprecedented project to fruition. Djurhuus noted, "We congratulate Minesto for hosting such an important event that fostered open dialogue among many stakeholders, and we look forward to our continued collaboration to realize the world's first tidal 'Dragon' farm of 10MW in Hestfjord."

The engagement of local authorities, academic institutions, and diverse communities illustrates the strong backing for tidal energy as a viable renewable source, poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the energy landscape of the Faroe Islands. With positive momentum from this event, the groundwork is being laid for a future where tidal power could significantly contribute to the region's energy mix.

In summary, the seminar held by Minesto marks a crucial development stage in the realization of the Hestfjord Dragon Farm. The commitment to collaboration between local stakeholders and the dedication to establishing a sustainable, renewable energy system underscores the potential for tidal energy in the Faroe Islands and beyond.