Scotland Hoping to Host World's First Floating Wind Farm

Similar to an iceberg, the Hywind wind turbines are stabilised by the structure below the water's surface

. The Distributed Buoyancy Modules (DMB's) which allow for such stability were originally developed for use in the oil and gas industry. The floating structures weigh 5,300 tonnes, and are 165 metres tall, 100 metres of which remains below the surface.

Following the successful testing of the prototypes in Norway, the company is searching for potential wind farm sites in which between three to five turbines will be floated. Talks with the Scottish Development International and Marine Scotland are thought to be at an advanced stage, as feasibility studies have already been undertaken at potential sites.

It is thought that a final decision will be made in 2011 with regards to the decided location: Statoil are currently investigating sites in several countries, including Norway and the USA.

The success of a floating turbine would lead to dramatically reduced wind-farm costs, as the foundations for ordinary wind turbine foundations often account for a large portion of the deployment expense. The financial ramifications are not the main purpose of the project however; according to Statoil, the primary intention is the experimentation of the effect of wind and waves on the structure of the turbine.

Once such logistical questions have been sufficiently resolved, the concept will then be commercialised, with the reduced costing allowing for the competition of the Hywind wind turbines on the energy market.

Statoil is believed to be investing approximately NOK 400 million (almost 41 million) in the Hywind project, including the research and development as well as the construction work.

Scotland Hoping to Host World's First Floating Wind Farm

By: Harvey McEwan

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