Minesto is advancing marine renewable energy with its proprietary subsea kite system, a technology designed to efficiently generate electricity from tidal streams and ocean currents, even at low flow velocities where conventional tidal turbines are not viable.
Minesto’s innovation relies on a hydrodynamic lift-based energy conversion principle, conceptually similar to a kite flying in the wind. Instead of remaining stationary like traditional underwater turbines, the system consists of a wing structure tethered to the seabed that “flies” through water currents in a controlled trajectory.
This motion is not arbitrary. The kite is autonomously steered in a figure-of-eight path, significantly increasing its relative velocity compared to the ambient current speed. As a result, the turbine mounted on the kite experiences water flow several times faster than the actual current. This is a critical advantage because power output scales with the cube of velocity, meaning even moderate increases in speed result in substantial gains in energy generation.
The system architecture integrates a turbine-generator assembly within a streamlined nacelle, mounted beneath the wing. As the kite moves through the water, the turbine shaft drives the generator, producing electricity that is transmitted to shore via a cable embedded in the tether and connected through a seabed umbilical.
A key differentiator of Minesto’s technology is its ability to operate efficiently in low-flow tidal streams and ocean currents (as low as 1.2 m/s). This expands the global addressable resource for marine energy, enabling deployment in regions previously considered unsuitable for tidal power generation.
The platform is engineered to be lightweight, modular, and scalable, allowing deployment across both microgrid and utility-scale applications. The company’s Dragon-class systems, for example, range from smaller units designed for distributed energy systems to megawatt-scale installations for grid-connected power generation.
Another important technical advantage lies in the reduced structural and installation requirements. Because the kite’s dynamic motion amplifies energy capture, the system can achieve high output with a smaller turbine and lighter structure compared to fixed seabed-mounted turbines. This contributes to lower material usage, simplified installation, and reduced maintenance complexity.
Operationally, the system incorporates an onboard control system that continuously adjusts rudders and control surfaces to maintain the optimal flight path and maximize energy capture. This autonomous control is essential for maintaining performance under varying flow conditions and ensuring stable, predictable operation.
In addition to performance, the technology is designed with environmental compatibility. The fully submerged operation eliminates visual impact, while long-term monitoring indicates minimal disturbance to marine ecosystems, including negligible noise impact and no observed collisions with marine mammals.
By combining aerodynamic principles with marine engineering, Minesto’s subsea kite technology represents a shift from conventional tidal energy approaches, enabling cost-effective and predictable renewable power generation from a broader range of ocean environments.
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About Minesto
Minesto is a Sweden-based developer of marine energy systems focused on harnessing electricity from tidal streams and ocean currents. Originating as a spin-off from aerospace research, the company has developed a patented subsea kite technology supported by an extensive patent portfolio. Minesto’s solutions are designed to deliver predictable, renewable energy for both distributed and utility-scale applications.
