Spanish floating wind technology developer X1 Wind says it has successfully installed a floating platform at the PLOCAN test site in the Canary Islands.
The installation process for the EU-backed PivotBuoy Project has been completed with the floating wind prototype connected to the mooring system and dynamic cable.
Fitted with a Vestas V29 turbine, the 1:3 scale prototype has been stationed at a 50m water depth in a downwind configuration, creating a passive ‘weathervaning’ effect that eliminates the need for an active yaw system. The scalability of X1 Wind’s technology will enable the firm to provide platforms for the 15MW scale turbines and beyond and to deploy them at very deep sites, the company says.
Data will soon be collected to validate performance in open ocean conditions for the first time, operations manager Jorge Casanovas said.
The X30 platform includes a lightweight floater which can be wet towed by local vessels - one of its key benefits, the company says, which has received €4million funding from the EU for this prototype.
”The PivotBuoy Project focuses on demonstrating an innovative mooring system configuration that combines the advantages of a SPM (single point mooring) with a small TLP (Tension-Leg Platform) mooring system, allowing the ability to reach deeper waters and minimising the footprint and impact on the seabed,” the firm says.
Executive Board Member of EDP NEW, João Maciel said: “The World is facing unprecedented challenges. Decarbonization through Renewable Generation will be key. The oceans and the sustainable exploration of offshore renewables are paramount for a greener, decarbonized world. Floating offshore wind has been slowly but steadily showing it is a growth avenue for renewables and promising technologies such as X1 Wind’s are the cornerstone for the grand challenge – to accelerate competitiveness of the sector. And we love to see these new projects / technologies coming to life.”
