Equinor met with the supplier industry to discuss cost-effective solutions for floating wind farms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Equinor called the supplier industry to find cost-effective solutions within areas such as design of floating substructures for wind turbines.
Commenting on this initiative, Anne-Grete Ellingsen, CEO of GCE NODE, stated that:
We welcome Equinor’s initiative to build a floating wind farm in deep offshore waters. This could kickstart a new industrial era based on technology and competence from the oil & gas and maritime industries
Today, Equinor operates the world’s only floating wind farm, Hywind Scotland, which includes five turbines off Scotland. Now, Equinor considers creating another floating wind farm, consisting of 11 turbines in the North Sea.
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In addition, GCE NODE has also argued for financial support for the supplier industry when developing equipment and solutions that will contribute to making floating offshore wind profitable. Such development could be vital in developing a new important export sector.
In fact, in close collaboration with GCE NODE, Innovation Norway has established a program that supports companies that have technology that can contribute to lower costs in the offshore wind installation and operating phases.
What is more, Norway should make floating wind a priority for many reasons. For starters, 80% of all offshore wind resources are located in waters 60 meters deep or more, ruling out fixed installations. Furthermore, Norwegian industrial players know how to operate at sea, and how to operate at great depths and in harsh environments.
Finally, Equinor urged the supplier industry to come up with cost-optimal measures within areas like the design of floating substructures for wind turbines in the 10-15 MW range, fabrication methods and logistics for large fabrication of floating substructures, innovative mooring systems, and installation and marine operations for floating wind.
