Floating Wind Power Shows Strong Future

Offshore wind is expected to play a key role in achieving the EU’s climate and renewable energy targets but design limitations have resulted in foundation-based offshore wind farms being built in relatively shallow waters.
 
According to data and analytics firm GlobalData, RWE Renewables (RWE) recently partnered with Saitec Offshore Technologies (Saitec) to develop a floating platform for offshore wind turbines.
 
This deal places the companies in a strong position, as the potential for floating wind power is around 7,000 gigawatts (GW) for Europe, the US and Japan.
 
Mukka Soumya Gupta, Power Analyst at Global Data, comments: “Approximately 40MW of floating wind capacity is currently active in Europe.
 
"Floating platforms allow for the deployment of wind turbines almost anywhere in the sea, maximising the exploitation of offshore wind energy potential. Moreover, they have shorter development cycles and are more environmentally friendly."
 
Gupta adds: “The objective of RWE Renewables and Saitec’s pilot project is to outline viable solutions for the widespread commercialisation of floating wind farms.
 
"Data pertaining to the construction, operation and maintenance of the unit could provide beneficial insights to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) entities and investors, amongst others, who are vital for transforming this technology into a dependable and economically viable mode of power generation.”