15+ MW Floating Wind Turbines to Be Tested At Norway’s METCentre
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Three companies have signed contracts with Norway’s Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre) to test new technology aimed at reducing the costs of floating offshore wind by demonstrating floaters equipped with 15+ MW turbines.
These are the first two paragraphs.
According to Norwegian Offshore Wind, this is the turbine size that will be relevant for future floating offshore wind farms.
The test area is located just a few kilometres away from the Utsira Nord zone, where Norway’s first commercial floating offshore wind farm will be located.
This sounds like the sort of sensible test philosophy, that you’d expect from the Norwegians.
Principle Power Unveils New Floating Wind Foundations For 15 MW+ Turbines
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Principle Power has expanded its WindFloat portfolio by introducing two new semisubmersible floating wind foundation designs, called WindFloat TC and WindFloat FC, which are said to be optimised for 15 MW+ wind turbines.
A large picture and these two paragraphs introduce the new designs.
According to the company, the new designs are natural evolutions of the existing WindFloat technologies that support a wind turbine located on a column in the centre of the platform.
Designed to complement the existing perimeter column designs WindFloat T and WindFloat F, the new solutions share the same 4th generation design heritage and benefits.
Smart Hull Trim System
The article also mentions a Smart Hull Trim System in this sentence.
Some of these include a Smart Hull Trim system to maximise annual energy production and reduce loads.
I would assume that the Smart Hull Trim System, works very much like the control surfaces of an aeroplane or submarine to keep the craft straight and level.
On the Principle Power web site, the various WindFloats are described as follows.
- WindFloat T – Proven WindFloat® design, suitable for tubular construction.
- WindFloat F – A pontoon-based design suitable for flat panel construction.
- WindFloat TC & FC – Center column design solutions, optimized for 15MW+ turbines with stiff-stiff towers.
From work, I did in the 1970s, with two Cambridge University engineering professors, I reckon that the TC and FC designs will be the best.
Conclusion
Whatever way you look at it, a 15 MW+ floating wind turbine, when you consider they can have capacity factors in excess of 50 %, could be a very powerful electricity generator.
World’s First Semi-Submersible Floating Offshore Wind Farm Tops Production Expectations
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
In its four years of operation, the world’s first semi-submersible floating offshore wind farm, WindFloat Atlantic, has surpassed anticipated production figures, achieving a total cumulative output of 320 GWh.
These first three paragraphs give more detail.
Connected to the grid by the end of 2019 and fully commissioned in 2020, the floating offshore wind farm was developed by the Windplus consortium formed by Ocean Winds, a 50:50 joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE, Repsol, and Principle Power.
The pioneer wind farm consists of three platforms, each supporting one 8.4-MW Vestas turbine, which are anchored with chains to the seabed and connected to the onshore substation in the Portuguese municipality of Viana do Castelo through a 20-kilometre cable.
It has been reported that the project’s electricity production has steadily increased each year, reaching 78 GWh in 2022 and 80 GWh in 2023.
It certainly appears that floating wind power, is living up to and above its expectations.
There Are Only Three Large Offshore Wind Farms In Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6
This document from the Department of Business, Industry and Industrial Strategy lists all the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6 results for the supply of zero-carbon electricity.
The wind farms are.
- Green Volt – 400 MW – Floating – Claims to be “The first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarm in Europe”.
- Hornsea Four – 2,400 MW – Fixed – Ørsted
- East Anglia Two – 963 MW – Fixed – Iberdrola
Is this what misgovernment expected, when they raised the budget in July 2024, as I wrote about in UK Boosts Sixth CfD Auction Budget, Earmarks GBP 1.1 Billion For Offshore Wind.
Perhaps, some developers held back until government policy is clearer?
Global Offshore Wind To Top 520 GW By 2040, Floating Wind To Play Major Role – Rystad Energy
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
According to Rystad Energy, global offshore wind capacity will surpass 520 GW by 2040, with floating wind installations nearing 90 GW by that time
These are the first three paragraphs.
In 2023, the offshore wind sector saw a seven per cent increase in new capacity additions compared to the previous year, said Rystad Energy. This momentum is expected to accelerate this year, with new capacity additions expected to grow by nine per cent to over 11 GW by the end of the year.
By 2040, Europe is expected to account for more than 70 per cent of global floating wind installations. Although some project delays beyond 2030 are anticipated, there will likely be a strong push to accelerate deployment, according to Rystad Energy.
As a result, floating wind capacity is projected to approach 90 GW by 2040, led by the UK, France, and Portugal, with Asia (excluding mainland China) expected to account for 20 per cent of global installations.
Note, that Rystad Energy is an independent energy research and business intelligence company headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
Implications For Energy Storage
In Grid Powers Up With One Of Europe’s Biggest Battery Storage Sites, I talk about how the 2.9 GW Hornsea Three wind farm will have a connection to the grid, that incorporates a 300 MW/600 MWh battery.
With 520 GW of offshore wind to be installed by 2040, I suspect that energy storage companies and funds will do well.
If the 520 GW of offshore wind were fitted with batteries like the 2.9 GW Hornsea Three wind farm, there would be a need for around 60 GW of battery output, with a capacity of around 120 GWh.
I doubt, there would be enough lithium for all those batteries.
Some countries like Norway, the United States, Australia, France, Spain, Japan, India, China and others will be able to develop large pumped storage hydroelectricity systems, but others will have to rely on newer, developing technologies.
The UK will be well-placed with around 80 GWh of pumped storage hydroelectricity under development and several promising developing storage technologies.
UK Company Unveils Mooring Solution For Floating Offshore Wind
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
UK-based Blackfish Engineering has unveiled a mooring system, called C-Dart, which eliminates the direct handling of heavy mooring lines by operational personnel. The system is designed to rapidly connect various floating structures and assets, including wave and tidal energy converters, offshore wind, floating solar platforms, aquaculture, and more, according to the company.
These three paragraphs give a few details.
By utilising the principles of gravity, buoyancy, and rope tension, the C-Dart system facilitates a contact-free, automated connection process that secures equipment securely and swiftly, Blackfish said.
The system’s rapid connect and disconnect capability is said to cut down the time typically required for offshore operations which is vital in reducing the overall operational costs and downtime, particularly in the high-stakes environment of renewable energy projects.
Constructed from high-tensile, corrosion-resistant materials, the C-Dart system could withstand harsh oceanic environments, extending its service life while minimising maintenance requirements.
There is also this excellent video.
These are my thoughts.
The Companies Involved
The companies, organisations involved are listed on the C-Dart product page.
Skua Marine Ltd, Morek Ltd, Flowave, Underwater Trials Centre, Offshore Simulation Centre, National Decommissioning Centre, Bureau Veritas, Queen Mary University, The Waves Group, KML, Alex Alliston, Arnbjorn Joensen
Note.
- Blackfish Engineering are in Bristol.
- Bureau Veritas is a French company specialized in testing, inspection and certification founded in 1828.
- Queen Mary University is in London.
- The Underwater Trials Centre is in Fort William.
- The National Decommissioning Centre is in Aberdeen.
- The Offshore Simulation Centre, is in Norway.
Funding came from the Scottish Government.
Good Design And Improved Safety
It does look in this product that good design and improved safety go together.
Conclusion
This peoduct could be a real winner.
UK’s First Offshore Hydrogen Production Trials Kick Off in South Wales
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
After six years of development, sustainability consultancy ERM has launched offshore trials to test its Dolphyn Hydrogen process which combines electrolysis, desalination, and hydrogen production on a floating wind platform, marking the first time hydrogen has been produced from seawater in a marine environment in the UK.
These are the first three paragraphs.
The trials conducted in Pembroke Port, South Wales, through July 2024 are said to represent an important step forward in enabling the UK to produce low-carbon hydrogen safely, reliably, and at scale.
In ERM’s Dolphyn Hydrogen process, hydrogen is transported to shore via a pipeline and it can be used directly for power generation, transport, industrial purposes, and heating.
The development of the Dolphyn Hydrogen process has been supported by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, through the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition in the GBP 1 billion (approximately USD 1.2 billion) Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP). It has been awarded funding of over GBP 8 million (about USD 10.13 million) to date and has also been championed by devolved Governments in Wales and Scotland.
There’s more about Dolphyn Hydrogen on their web site.
Conclusion
This self-contained floating hydrogen factory could be very useful operating either singly or as a small fleet.
It would help if Dolphyn Hydrogen disclosed some hydrogen production capacities.
This is said in a press release.
The pilot project at Vattenfall’s Offshore Wind Farm in Aberdeen Bay will have an output of 8.8MW and will be able to produce enough hydrogen every day to power a hydrogen bus to travel 24,000km.
That looks about right.
I shall be following Dolphyn Hydrogen.
UK Offshore Wind In 2030
The next general election is likely to be held in 2029, so how much wind energy will be added during the next Parliament?
The Current Position
The Wikipedia entry for the list of operational wind farms in the UK, says this.
In October 2023, there were offshore wind farms consisting of 2,695 turbines with a combined capacity of 14,703 megawatts.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2024
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2024.
- Neart Na Gaoithe – 450 MW – Fixed
- Doggerbank A – 1235 MW – Fixed
- Doggerbank B – 1235 MW – Fixed
This would add 2920 MW to give a total of 17,623 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2025
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2025.
- Moray West – 882 MW – Fixed
- Doggerbank C – 1218 MW – Fixed
This would add 2100 MW to give a total of 19,723 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2026
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2026.
- Sofia – 1400 MW – Fixed
- East Anglia 3 – 1372 MW – Fixed
- East Anglia 1 North – 800 MW – Fixed
- East Anglia 2 – 900 MW – Fixed
- Pentland – 100 MW – Floating
This would add 4572 MW to give a total of 24,295 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2027
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2027.
- Hornsea 3 – 2852 MW – Fixed
- Norfolk Boreas – 1380 MW – Fixed
- Llŷr 1 – 100 MW – Floating
- Llŷr 2 – 100 MW – Floating
- Whitecross – 100 MW – Floating
This would add 4532 MW to give a total of 28,827 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2028
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2028.
- Morecambe – 480 MW – Fixed
This would add 480 MW to give a total of 29,307 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2029
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2029.
- West Of Orkney – 2000 MW – Fixed
This would add 2000 MW to give a total of 31,307 MW.
Due To Be Commissioned In 2030
It would appear these wind farms will come on-line in 2030.
- Ramplion 2 Extension – 1200 MW – Fixed
- Norfolk Vanguard East – 1380 MW – Fixed
- Norfolk Vanguard West – 1380 MW – Fixed
- Awel y Môr – 1100 MW – Fixed
- Berwick Bank – 4100 MW – Fixed
- Outer Dowsing – 1500 MW – Fixed
- Hornsea 4 – 2600 MW – Fixed
- Caledonia – 2000 MW – Fixed
- N3 Project – 495 MW – Fixed/Floating
This would add 15755 MW to give a total of 47.062 MW.
Capacity Summary
- 2023 – None – 14703 MW
- 2024 – 2920 MW – 17,623 MW
- 2025 – 2100 MW – 19,723 MW
- 2026 – 4572 MW – 24,295 MW
- 2027 – 4532 MW- 28,827 MW
- 2028 – 480 MW – 29,307 MW
- 2029 – 2000 MW – 31,307 MW
- 2030 – 15755 MW – 47,062 MW
Note that capacity has increased more than threefold.
If we assume the following.
- New wind farms are commissioned throughout the year.
- 14703 MW of wind power, with all our gas-fired, nuclear and onshore wind farms is enough to power the UK.
- The average capacity factor is 45 %.
- The strike price is £35/MWh.
The levels I have set are deliberately on the low side.
The amount of energy and cash flow generated by new wind farms in a year can be calculated as follows.
{Average New Capacity In Year}= ({Capacity at Year Start}+{Capacity at Year End})/2-14703
{Extra Electricity Generated In Year}= {Average New Capacity In Year}*365*24*{Capacity Factor}
{Cash Flow}={Extra Electricity Generated In Year} * {Strike Price}
The following figures are obtained.
- 2024 – 1460 MW – 5,755,320 MWh – £ 201,436,200
- 2025 – 3970 MW – 15,649,740 MWh – £ 547,740,900
- 2026 – 7306 MW – 28,800,252 MWh – £ 1,008,008,820
- 2027 – 11858 MW – 46,744,236 MWh – £ 1,636,048,260
- 2028 – 14,364 MW – 56,622,888 MWh – £ 1,981,801,080
- 2029 – 15,604 MW – 61,510,968 MWh – £ 2,152,883,880
- 3030 – 23,931.5 MW – 94,337,973 MWh – £ 3,301,829,055
Nate.
- The first column is the cumulative amount of new capacity about the 14,703 MW in December 2023.
- The second column is the extra electricity generated in the year over December 2023.
- The third column is the extra cash flow in the year over December 2023.
As the installed base of wind farms increases, the cash flow increases.
It should also be noted that there are a large number of wind farms, already pencilled in for 2031-2035.
What Will We Do With All This Extra Electricity?
We need more industries that will consume a lot of electricity, like cement, chemicals and steel.
But I suspect that the easiest thing to do, is to convert the excess electricity to hydrogen and export it to the Continent and especially the Germans by pipeline or tanker.
Conclusion
Whoever wins this year’s General Election, should have a growing source of revenue for the life of the parliament and beyond.
TetraSpar Demonstrator Floating Wind Turbine Hits 63 Pct Capacity Factor In Norway
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Stiesdal has revealed that its TetraSpar Demonstrator, located in Norway, has reached a capacity factor of 63 per cent.
These three paragraphs give a few more details.
Since its commissioning in late 2021, the TetraSpar Demonstrator has been operational at METCentre in Norway, delivering green energy, gathering data, validating numerical models, supporting research and development projects, and serving as a living laboratory for the development of floating wind technology, said Stiesdal in a recent social media post.
To date, the demonstrator has generated more than 37 GWh of renewable energy, according to the company. The 3.6 MW Siemens Gamesa direct-drive wind turbine and very high wind speeds at the METCentre site combined to yield a capacity factor of 54 per cent, said Stiesdal.
In the first two years of operation, the availability was recorded at 97 per cent and 98.3 per cent, respectively. For 2024, the availability has increased to 99.5 per cent with a capacity factor of almost 63 per cent, according to the company.
I have some further thoughts.
Tetra Offshore Foundations For Any Water Depth
The title of this section, is the same as that of this page on the Siesdal web site.
The page gives a lot of information and says that the TetraSpar can handle water depth of over a thousand metres.
Wind Farm Capacity Factor
The Wikipedia entry for capacity factor says this about the range of wind farm capacity factors.
Wind farms are variable, due to the natural variability of the wind. For a wind farm, the capacity factor is determined by the availability of wind, the swept area of the turbine and the size of the generator. Transmission line capacity and electricity demand also affect the capacity factor. Typical capacity factors of current wind farms are between 25 and 45%. In the United Kingdom during the five year period from 2011 to 2019 the annual capacity factor for wind was over 30%.
From that paragraph, 63 % seems to be extraordinarily good.
Conclusion
The TetraSpar appears to be a powerful concept.
The Anonymous Widower 