"Small scale but full scale": Minesto tidal project boosts Faroe Islands energy goals

Marine energy developer Minesto has revealed its plans for the construction of large-scale build-out tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands, including four new sites that would supply 40% of the islands' electricity.

Located in the Northeast Atlantic, roughly equidistant from Iceland, Norway and Scotland, and comprising 18 small islands characterised by narrow fjords, tall mountains and steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands are a self-governing part of Denmark with a population of around 53,000. 

The nation has the ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy production by 2030, something which would make electricity cheaper for residents who until fairly recently had to rely on imports.

Read more: Vestas secures Faroe Islands wind contract

Tidal energy is seen as being a crucial part of the 2030 plan. Due to the islands' location, both wind and solar power are extremely unpredictable and heavily seasonal. Tidal is being viewed as a way to bridge that gap.

Furthermore, the shifts of the tidal flows in the various fjords across the country also mean that a continuous supply of energy is being fed into the grid.

Minesto presented its plans alongside Faroese state-owned energy company SEV to the government and said the response was "positive".

The plan aims to install four tidal arrays, each with 20-40 MW capacity around the islands. With a total capacity of 120 MW tidal energy, generating an estimated 350 GWh per year, the arrays would supply 40% of the Faroe Islands' growing power demand.

The company said the first step would be to expand its existing site in Vestmannasund. The second step, planning and permitting ongoing, would be a 10 MW array in Hestfjord, followed by stepwise build-out in Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord and Svinoyarfjord.

Minesto CEO, Martin Edlund, said he was pleased with the response the plan had received. "We're thrilled to support the Faroe Islands in their explorative and ambitious journey towards a balanced energy system," he added.

Read more: Minesto granted €2.5m EU funds for Faroe Islands tidal project

Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of SEV, also struck a positive note. "We're a small country, but we're a complete country. We are small scale but full scale. We can lead the way also for other island and coastal communities. We are looking forward to this journey together, still a lot of work remains, but very promising."

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