Minesto has successfully executed the Launch & Recovery method (LARS) for the first megawatt tidal kite Dragon 12 (1.2 MW, 25 tons). The operations developed for the Dragon 4 (100kW, 2.5 tons) were proven equally effective with the large-scale kites utilizing the same small work vessel. The commissioning of the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) of the Dragon 12 has been successfully completed.

The scale-up of the powerplant has not required changes in the smaller Dragon 4 kite operation for launch and recovery when applied to the Dragon 12. The D12 is ten times heavier, three times larger, uses a longer tether and is installed at larger water depth. These changes in the kite parameters proved to be fully manageable with the existing LARS method, thus verifying both technical method and assessments of operating costs.

The launch and recovery were respectively done in less than 2 hours elapsed time. The commissioning of the Dragon 12 continues at site leading to the goal of electricity production. Operations of the smaller Dragon 4 power-plants will continue in parallel.