Gifford wind turbine design shortlisted by Carbon Trust

Just seven design concepts out of more than 100 entries have been chosen for further development and the team of Gifford, Freyssinet and BMT Group is the only British led consortium to reach this far. The team’s design centres on a concrete foundation rather than steel, with a large base allowing the structure to self stabilise under forces of gravity in water depths of 20m to 45m. The team has also devised a cost effective transportation and installation system using submersible barges, avoiding the use of heavy crane barges and offshore jack-up platforms. The offshore structures, which typically weigh over 3,000 tons, are then settled into place.

The proposed system allows for production line onshore construction to achieve substantial reductions in the cost of deep water wind farms, an important consideration in the design competition.

Next year up to three designs will be taken on to the second phase of large scale demonstration.

Pat Jansen, director of Gifford said, ‘Energy producers face the challenge of generating clean and sustainable energy so they are looking to build bigger offshore wind farms in deeper waters. We believe our concept will provide a practicable and competitive solution.’

A major study led by Gifford and BMT Group focusing on the new fabrication and delivery system for concrete foundations for offshore wind turbines that use gravity as the principal means of stability has also resulted in an industry conference.

Jointly funded by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and E.ON, the study team also included Hunter Associates, Bierrum International, University of Nottingham, E.ON and DONG Energy.