New underwater 'energy kites' could change how we generate marine power

Imagine a kite flying, but deep beneath the ocean surface.

Unlike traditional stationary turbines, these devices use hydrodynamic lift to move in a figure-eight pattern.

By 'flying' through the water, the kite achieves speeds much faster than the actual current, which allows for highly efficient electricity generation due to the cubic relationship between water speed and power output.

Developed by the Swedish company Minesto, the 'Dragon' class of kites, such as the 12-meter, 28-ton Dragon 12, has already been successfully grid-connected in the Faroe Islands.

A major advantage of this technology is its ability to operate in slower-moving currents where traditional turbines would fail, drastically increasing the number of sites suitable for tidal energy.

Furthermore, because seawater is incredibly dense, these kites produce significant power with a small physical footprint.

While challenges like high upfront costs and complex maintenance remain, the predictability of tidal currents—far more reliable than sun or wind—makes this an exciting frontier for clean energy.

As the industry scales up, these kites could soon play a vital role in our global renewable energy mix.