Home » Minesto completes build and functional testing of sea-bed connection system for the 1.2-megawatt powerplant ‘dragon 12’

Leading ocean energy developer Minesto, has completed its build and functional testing of a sea-bed connection system for their 1.2-Megawatt power plant Dragon 12. The unique connection system, enabling one of the fastest launch and recovery operations in marine energy by “one-stab” operation, is now ready for installation.

The Dragon 12 connection system is a scale-up and further enhancement of Minesto’s unique and verified LARS (Launch & Recovery System) technology, a principle applied and proven by Minesto since 2020.

The system is remotely operated and controlled from the surface vessel by lowering the LARS frame attached to the male connector into the female connector in the foundation. In the bottom joint, the power, data and strength connections are all combined. The process is cost-effective and safe: solely monitored by cameras on the frame, no diver, or Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) support is required.

The Dragon 12 kite installation will utilise the system to enable a fast launch by towing with a small work boat and “one-stab” connection.

Our unique connection system shows the core of our innovative technology – fast, efficient and easy to handle.

Dr Martin Edlund, CEO, Minesto

In this video, engineer James Jones showcases how the system operates at Minesto’s Assembly Hall in Holyhead, North Wales.

With more than €40 million of awarded funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh European Funding Office, European Innovation Council and InnoEnergy, Minesto is the European Union’s largest investment in marine energy to date.