As the world’s pioneer in semi-submersible floating offshore wind technology, WindFloat Atlantic has consistently been setting new benchmarks in renewable power generation. Celebrating three years of operation, this marvel of modern engineering has once again outdone itself by achieving a remarkable power output milestone.
2023: A Year of Renewable Triumph
Last year, WindFloat Atlantic attained an impressive annual electricity production of 80 GWh, managing to exceed its previous year’s production and demonstrating its growth in efficiency. As a result of this feat, the project now provides clean energy to over 25,000 homes, simultaneously dodging the emission of 33,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Location and Structure of the Offshore Wind Farm
Strategically positioned 20 kilometers off Portugal’s northern shores, near Viana do Castelo, WindFloat Atlantic benefits from the strong maritime winds. Its structure is unique: it features three colossal Vestas wind turbines, each rated at 8.4 MW, perched atop innovative semi-submersible platforms. These platforms are moored securely with chains to the ocean floor and connected to land by an extensive cable that spans 20 kilometers, linking the turbines’ energy direct to the grid through an onshore substation.
A Collaborative Venture
The sustainable initiative is the brainchild of a partnership, combining the expertise of companies like the Spanish renewable energy titan EDPR, energy multinational ENGIE, Spain’s energy heavyweight Repsol, and Principle Power from California – specialists in floating offshore wind solutions.
Operational Excellence Amid Adverse Conditions
From its grid connection in late 2019, followed by official commissioning in 2020, WindFloat Atlantic has been impressively operational. It boasts a dedicated base for operations and maintenance in Viana do Castelo’s port, where real-time monitoring of the offshore facility ensures any issues can be rapidly addressed. Nevertheless, the wind farm’s location subjects it to challenging weather and sea conditions, making on-site intervention a complex affair.
Proving Resilience Against Severe Storms
Proving its resilience against nature’s fury, WindFloat Atlantic stood firm against Storm Ciarán, which battered Europe in late 2020. Despite facing daunting wave heights and fierce wind gusts, the floating wind farm demonstrated the robustness of its design and the effectiveness of advanced floating wind technology.
The Future of Floating Offshore Wind
Bringing its expertise from the successful deployment of Scotland’s Kincardine, the largest floating offshore wind farm to date, Principle Power continues to champion the WindFloat design. This innovation offers unparalleled stability performance and has been engineered to minimize structural weight and simplify logistics across all installation and operational stages.
What really sets WindFloat apart is its compatibility with current offshore wind turbines. Thanks to its pitch- and yaw-free performance in open waters, existing commercial turbines can be installed on one of its columns with minimal adjustments, showcasing the versatility and advancement this technology brings to the renewable energy sector.
