Marine energy developer Minesto has launched a detailed plan for large-scale build-out of tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands totalling up to 120MW.
The plan includes four new verified sites that could supply 40% of the island’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 has presented the plan to a wide range of policy and local community stakeholders – including the Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, Industry and Trade.
The large-scale build-out plan sets out a stepwise installation of tidal kite arrays, each with 20-40MW installed capacity, at four verified locations.
In addition to Minesto’s existing grid-connected site in Vestmannasund, the company points out Hestfjord, Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord as ideal arrays.
Minesto chief executive Martin Edlund said: “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.
“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.”
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 1.4MW.
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.
In total, this makes it possible to deliver a cost-effective path to 100% renewable energy by 2030, Minesto said.
SEV head of R&D Terji Nielsen said: “If we can unlock the potential of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands, in both economic and technical terms, to deliver predictable energy to the Faroese energy system, it can disrupt the energy mix in the islands.
“A diversified renewable energy mix, including tidal energy, can lower the total installed capacity and the need for energy storage.”
Furthermore, the phase shift of the tidal flows in the different fjords provides valuable flexibility and a continuous supply of electricity into the grid.
This approach reduces the investment significantly, Minesto added.