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“This is the future”: why floating turbines may revolutionize British wind power
The UK has long been a global leader in permanent coastal wind installations. However, as the demand for clean energy continues to rise, there is a need for new farms in deeper open seas where wind speeds are even greater.
One of the most exciting developments in offshore wind energy is the Kincardine project off the coast of Scotland. This floating windfarm boasts five massive turbines that silently generate clean energy at 190 meters above the North Sea. These turbines have the capacity to power 35,000 Scottish homes, showcasing the potential of floating wind power.
What sets the Kincardine project apart is its use of floating foundations in deep seas. While traditional offshore windfarm foundations are planted in the seabed, those used in Kincardine allow for greater flexibility in terms of location and depth. The innovative design features three buoyant columns supporting the turbines on a floating platform, making it a true engineering marvel.
The success of the Kincardine project has sparked interest in floating wind technology across Europe and beyond. Nations like Norway, the UK, and Italy, who are already pioneers in floating wind energy, are looking to expand their offshore wind capacity by incorporating floating turbines in deeper ocean depths.
Hornsea 2, the world’s largest permanent offshore windfarm, is another example of the potential of floating wind power. With a capacity of 1.32 gigawatts, this windfarm can power over 1.4 million households, showcasing the immense potential of floating offshore wind technology.
The UK government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production, with offshore wind playing a key role in achieving these goals. However, the high cost of offshore wind installations has been a barrier to expansion. Floating offshore windfarms, while more expensive to build initially, have the potential to become cost-competitive with traditional fixed windfarms in the near future.
To support the growth of floating wind power, the UK must invest in upgrading its ports and infrastructure. Larger and deeper ports are needed to accommodate the massive turbines and floating foundations required for these projects. This investment would not only create jobs and economic activity but also position the UK as a global leader in floating wind technology.
As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, the UK wind sector is looking to share its expertise with other nations. Countries like Portugal, Japan, and the US could benefit from the development of floating wind technology to increase their wind power output in areas where fixed turbines are less viable.
One British success story is the Bristol-based company Rovco, which provides digital data solutions for offshore wind companies. With a focus on subsea surveying and robotics, Rovco is at the forefront of the UK’s growing offshore wind industry. The company’s CEO, Brian Allen, believes that floating wind power is the future of the industry and that the UK is well-positioned to lead the way in its development.
As the UK continues to invest in floating offshore wind technology, it is clear that this innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the country’s wind power industry. By harnessing the power of the wind in deep seas, the UK can secure its place as a global leader in clean energy production.
