Subsea kite power under investigation offshore Faroes

Dec. 15, 2022
Minesto is developing flying kites for use underwater to produce power offshore the Faroe Islands.

Offshore staff

FARNHAM, UKMinesto is developing flying kites for use underwater to produce power offshore the Faroe Islands.

The subsea kite turbine generates electricity in tidal streams and ocean currents based on the principle of flying a stunt kite in the wind.

Swooping through the water in a constant figure of eight motion on a tethered cable allows the kite turbine to accelerate through the water faster than the actual flow speed. And the electricity generated is said to be several hundred times greater than from a stationary turbine.

To support multiple kite installations, Faroes-based SJH Commercial Diving will deploy a Seaeye Falcon underwater robot for inspecting power-cable runs along the seabed to the shore, and for inspecting/cleaning foundation points.

The Seaeye Falcon is equipped with multi-beam sonar, single- and five-function manipulators, a cathodic potential probe and a cleaning skid.

12.15.2022