Marine energy developer Minesto has launched a detailed plan for large-scale build-out of tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands, with the plan including four new verified sites that would supply 40% of the nation’s growing electricity consumption, enabling the Faroe Islands to reach its policy goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Together with utility company SEV, Minesto presented the plan last month to a wide range of policy and local community stakeholders. The company set out a stepwise installation of tidal kite arrays, each with 20-40 MW installed capacity, at Hestfjord, Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord. This is in addition to it’s existing grid-connected site in Vestmannasund.
“We’re very pleased with the outcome of the joint presentation tour together with SEV, and the interest and positive response of our build-out plan,” said Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto. “In our dialogue with the Faroese community, all key aspects of full integration of Minesto’s tidal technology into the islands´ energy system have been covered. This includes environmental permitting, legislation for sea-bed access, local partnerships regarding port-access, manufacturing, and funding.”.
Minesto said that during 2022, the first step is to expand the existing grid-connected site in Vestmannasund, establishing a mini array with three systems at a total installed capacity of 1.4 MW. The second step, planning and permitting ongoing, is a 10MW array in Hestfjord, with direct electricity distribution to nearby capital Torshavn. After that further build-out of Hestfjord will follow, as well as stepwise build-out of Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord.
