Floating Wind Turbines Almost As Tall As Eiffel Tower Can Power 80K Homes Each
Image via Wind Catching Systems
A new floating wind farming technology looks to be on its way, with its structures stacked atop each other to almost make up the Eiffel Tower’s height.
Headquartered in Oslo, and owned by Ferd and North Energy, Wind Catching Systems is developing this. Its plans are to create grids, made of smaller turbines, standing around 1,000 feet tall. This would be anchored to the ocean floor with the main body of the structure balanced on a “floating” platform above the sea.
This new grid system doesn’t involve a single large component, making the entire thing easier to manufacture and install. Maintenance is also less of a hassle and can be done on-site.
Due to its height, the grid takes up less space than a regular wind farm with turbines spaced out individually. Wind Catching Systems claims that five of its units can generate the same amount of electricity as 25 traditional turbines, while taking up around a fifth of the space required.
Its height also allows it to catch winds at greater speeds, hence its increased efficiency. Each unit, the company says, is capable of producing electricity to power 80,000 European households.
Image via Wind Catching Systems
Archinect reports that the company is planning to make its floating offshore wind technology competitive by 2023. It has been stated that its aim is to carry out technical testing and verification in 2021.
When 2022 comes around, it can then begin to offer commercial development solutions, Investment Director at Ferd, Erik Bjørstad, states.
Wind Catching Systems’ overarching goal is to “to supply the world with affordable and sustainable floating offshore wind energy at grid parity.”
It has also declared that it’s dedicated to meeting the UN’s sustainable development goals, which include ensuring that “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy” can be accessed by all.
[via Archinect, images via Wind Catching Systems]
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