Principle Power has toasted a milestone after floating offshore wind projects using its WindFloat technology generated more than 1TWh of production.
The 1TWh output includes generation from the WindFloat 1, WindFloat Atlantic (pictured), and Kincardine offshore wind farm projects.
WindFloat 1 was a 2MW pilot in Portugal (2011-2016) and Scotland (2018-2020), while WindFloat Atlantic is a 25MW project that has been in operation since 2020 off the coast of Portugal.
Kincardine offshore wind farm is a 48MW project running since 2021 off the coast of Scotland.
Principle Power said that together, these assets have demonstrated robustness in severe Atlantic and North Sea conditions, withstanding waves of up to 20 metres and winds of up to 214km/h – equivalent to a Category 4 typhoon – while delivering exceptional performance.
The company said its WindFloat platforms enable maximum wind turbine generation. Features include semisubmersible architecture, providing a stable platform that enables the system to comply with all wind turbine operational and extreme limits.
A platform hull trim system uses water ballast to counteract wind turbine-induced thrust forces, keeps the turbine oriented vertically, and increases energy production by up to 2.5% versus passive platforms.
Principle Power chief executive Julian Arrillaga Costa said: “Reaching the 1TWh milestone is a clear validation of our WindFloat technology and the expert team we’ve built to support the design, delivery, and operation of floating wind projects worldwide.
“These projects have exposed us to the full range of complexity in the sector, providing valuable lessons that we are using to continuously refine and improve our technical and commercial offering.
“This depth of experience provides a strong foundation for delivering de-risked, cost-effective commercial projects, supporting our vision of a planet powered by floating wind.”
The under-construction 30MW Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project will be connected to the grid later this year.
Principle Power is working with clients, suppliers, and operators to plan the delivery of the first generation of commercial scale floating wind projects in key markets, including France, South Korea, and the UK.
These projects expect to feature 12 to 70 wind turbines of 15-20MW each, nearly double the rated capacity of the wind turbines installed at WindFloat Atlantic and Kincardine.