#Norway #Minesto #Dragon 12 #Vestmanna

Updates on Dragon 12 Powerplant in Vestmanna

Minesto’s ongoing test of the Dragon 12 powerplant in Vestmanna has yielded significant insights since its installation in May 2025. Spanning nine months on grid connection, the unit has consistently demonstrated operational stability and resilience under various conditions. However, as a precaution due to the exceeding of preventive maintenance intervals, the Dragon 12 has been switched to park mode.

Currently, a local marine contractor is engaged in necessary service tasks for the Dragon 12 due to unforeseen weather events during the winter. Given the sound working condition of this powerplant, the decision to wait for the local vessel's return for maintenance is deemed prudent, especially considering the high cost and logistical complexities of mobilizing an alternative vessel from abroad. According to Dr. Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, leveraging local resources for installation and recovery contributes to the technology's competitive edge. Economy and efficiency are improved by utilizing local technicians and workboats instead of relying on larger migrations from distant locations.

Future Prospects with Dragon 4

Simultaneously, preparations are in full swing for activities related to the Dragon 4, which underwent its initial launch three years ago. Significant upgrades have been made to enhance its performance, particularly focusing on the power take-off (PTO) system. The Dragon 4 will now be able to harness energy more efficiently, as its production capacity has increased from 100kW to 185kW.

Dr. Edlund articulated the significance of this enhancement, noting that the originally limited power capacity of the Dragon 4 prevented it from effectively capturing energy. With the new system in place, the Dragon 4 can obtain as much as double the energy from its initial deployment site without incurring additional hardware costs, thus making it a more balanced and capable unit.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Microgrid Development

While awaiting the maintenance of the Dragon 12, attention is also drawn to infrastructure upgrades at the Vestmanna site. These enhancements will prepare for the advanced energy capabilities of the Dragon 4 units. A pivotal element of this upgrade is the setup of a battery energy storage system (BES), which aims to support a microgrid integrating tidal energy. This groundbreaking microgrid design will be the first of its kind to include integrated energy storage, fundamentally changing how tidal energy can be harnessed on a commercial level.

Work on existing offshore infrastructure and onshore electrical systems will proceed throughout the spring, with the goal of demonstrating a complete commercial microgrid system at the Vestmanna test site. This initiative, officially a part of the 56 MSEK microgrid demonstration project—collaboratively funded by Minesto, Capture Energy, IVL, and the Swedish Energy Agency—aims to confirm that continuous, base-load tidal electricity generation is feasible. Dr. Edlund mentioned that the Vestmanna test site would play a crucial role in ongoing discussions with potential customers interested in similar setups worldwide, including local stakeholders in the Faroe Islands.

Summary

The Minesto project in Vestmanna highlights an essential pivot towards sustainable and efficient energy production. With the Dragon 12 and advancements in the Dragon 4, the company is not only optimizing current operations but also paving the way for future advancements in tidal energy production. This success story encourages further investments and innovations in the field of renewable energy, providing a compelling model for sustainable practices worldwide.