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Minesto, a major ocean energy developer headquartered in Sweden, successfully executed the launch and recovery technique (LARS) for the tidal kite Dragon 12 (1.2 MW, 25 tons) at the quayside in Uddevalla port, Sweden. The procedures intended for the Dragon 4 (100kW, 2.5 tonnes) proved to be as successful with the large-scale kites, which used the same small work vessel.
The D12 is tenfold heavier, nearly three times larger, has a lengthier tether, and is deployed at a deeper sea depth. These modifications in kite characteristics were entirely handled by the existing LARS approach, therefore validating both the technical method and operating cost calculations. The launch and recovery concluded in less than two hours.
"By successfully launching and retrieving the Dragon 12 for the first time, we have confirmed the key Launch and Recovery System. It is satisfying that smaller kite operations have been proven effective with large-scale kites', "a comprehensive run-through of the Dragon 12 powerplant's launch and recovery over the previous 24 hours has successfully validated the key maritime operations of our kite-based power plants. "This is a truly unique procedure at the heart of our competitive LCOE levels," stated Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.
The Dragon 12 is now being commissioned on-site, with the purpose of producing power, according to Minesto."This is a truly unique procedure at the core of our competitive LCOE levels."The continuing Dragon 12 commissioning procedure at the facility continues to progress towards meeting energy output targets. Meanwhile, the smaller Dragon 4 power plants continue to operate.
Minesto is the European Union's most significant investment in maritime energy, receiving over €40 million in support from the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh European Support Office, European Innovation Council, and InnoEnergy.
Read the full press release here- https://minesto.com/news/project-update-vestmanna-launch-and-recovery-procedure-for-utility-scale-tidal-powerplant-dragon-12-verified/
