Imagine a giant wind turbine that doesn't need to be bolted to the ocean floor, allowing it to sit in much deeper waters where winds are stronger. This project builds a massive floating platform that is easier to manufacture and transport using existing ports. It's like moving from building a custom house on-site to assembling a high-quality modular home that can be shipped anywhere.
Floating wind energy is currently too expensive and difficult to scale due to harbour limitations and high installation costs in deep water. There is a critical need for structures that are easier to build and maintain while reducing the overall carbon footprint.
A 6MW fully operative pilot floating wind unit. This includes the design, certification, and installation of a support structure for extra-large turbines.
If you are an offshore wind farm developer dealing with high installation costs in deep waters — this project developed a floating support structure that reduces the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) and fits existing harbour infrastructure.
If you are a port authority dealing with limited space for assembling massive turbines — this project developed a highly industrialisable design that improves harbour infrastructure suitability and availability.
If you are a fabricator dealing with the carbon footprint of heavy industrial parts — this project developed a circular economy approach to floating wind structures to minimize the carbon footprint of the hardware.
The project aims for a radical step forward in reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) through breakthrough cost reduction and lower OPEX costs for operation and maintenance.
Yes, the project focuses on a highly industrialisable and scalable support structure specifically designed for the next generation of extra-large wind turbines.
Based on available project data, the project is working toward bankability and commercialization, but specific licensing terms are not detailed.
The project runs from 2023-01-01 to 2027-12-31, aiming to reach TRL 7 by the end of the period.
It uses a floating design suited for deep water locations, with a pilot unit being installed in the PLOCAN testing area in the Canary Islands.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward commercial application, with an 88% industry ratio consisting of 15 industrial partners, including 5 SMEs. With 17 partners across 7 countries, the group combines deep-sea expertise with manufacturing capabilities, signaling a strong push toward market entry rather than academic research.
Contact ESTEYCO SA in Spain for technical specifications on the floating structure.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the WHEEL consortium for pre-commercial licensing opportunities.
