RENEWABLE ENERGY
actuators, generator and the bottom joint. For concepts such as this, the more off- the-shelf components, the better when it comes to the issue of scaling up the technology.
THE BIGGER PICTURE Indeed, scaling up the idea has been a focus for Edlund since the start. It’s clear that the market potential is of critical importance to him. “Compared to other marine energy technologies, Minesto’s product enhances the energy conversion, making it a commercial proposition applicable to vast areas around the globe where no other known or verified technology can operate cost effectively,” he states. “Most concepts are targeting areas with very high stream flows, 2.5m/s and above. We target areas that are 2.5m/s and below, which means that we are substantially expanding the exploitable resource.” And how far along in the
commercialisation process is the technology? Edlund says: “We are engaged with demonstration of our first utility- scale device, which in the current design means a 500kW unit, off the coast of Wales. Te next step of the development for that product range is to optimise it with regards to power production performance, which could mean
increasing the rated power to, for example, 750kW for the next utility-scale system.” He adds: “In parallel, we are developing a so-called Island Mode model, initially a smaller-scale system (approximately 100kW rated power) that will form a commercial product targeting off-grid applications such as island economies, aquaculture and similar.” Minesto’s strategy for
The subsea kite uses the force of the stream flow to ‘fly’ across the current
Scale model prototype testing
commercialisation is based on site development activities in three main geographical areas: European Atlantic coast; USA; and South East Asia. Edlund comments, “As we see it, the quickest route to market for our product in this emerging industry is for us to drive initial small-scale installations together with customers and partners, and then develop these sites into commercial electricity generating arrays.” Ultimately, Edlund sees huge potential for his technology in the renewable energy mix. He says that, “Since Minesto addresses a part of the natural resource that no other developer is focusing on, we
“Our subsea kite technology converts kinetic energy to electricity by way of a unique principle similar to flying a stunt kite in the wind”
expand the global ocean energy potential. When you add to that the cost structure that is related to the unique competitive advantages of our technology, and the fact that we can exploit continuous ocean currents, we are talking about low-cost baseload renewable power. Tis means that we make ocean energy a highly relevant and urgently needed complement to the energy mix in the ongoing energy transition.”
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