A 5MW ‘self installing’ offshore wind prototype dubbed Elisa will soon be placed into the waters off Gran Canaria.
The Elisa project is the first to feature a telescopic concrete tower connected to float and sink gravity-based foundations.
Project developer Esteyco will soon float both out ahead of installation at the port of Arinaga.
Once the foundation is anchored, the tower will be hoisted into its final position by cables and heavy-duty cable-pulling cylinders.
The nacelle and blades will still be lifted using an installation vessel, but Esteyco estimates the method could save 30%–40% on installation costs.
The Elisa project is looking for investment of €20m and has been co-financed under the seventh European Research Framework Program.
Image: Esteyco
Spanish Elisa set to self-install
Demo features telescopic concrete tower and will be installed off Gran Canaria
By EBS