{"id":13848,"date":"2021-08-09T11:09:29","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T10:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=13848"},"modified":"2021-08-09T14:27:53","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T13:27:53","slug":"tailored-solutions-commercialise-floating-offshore-wind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/tailored-solutions-commercialise-floating-offshore-wind\/13848\/","title":{"rendered":"Tailored solutions to commercialise floating offshore wind"},"content":{"rendered":"
In a bid to commercialise floating offshore wind and reach a levelised cost of energy that is palatable to consumers, companies globally are investing heavily in research and development to drive technological advancement. With it, patent applications including \u2018off-the-shelf\u2019 floating solutions have surged, making up over half of all applications relating to offshore turbine substructures filed between 2015 and 2020.1<\/sup><\/p>\n This interest in the substructure element of the technology is due, by and large, to the fact that innovation in this area is expected to deliver the largest cost reductions across any aspect of a floating wind project\u2019s lifecycle. Therefore, optimising substructure design somewhat holds the key to commercialisation. Further, the cost of the substructure does not scale up linearly with turbine capacity \u2013 so once commercial viability for the substructure is achieved, the sky\u2019s the limit in terms of keeping pace with the rest of the industry\u2019s ambitious capacity plans.<\/p>\n But the answer to the cost challenge is not as simple as designing an off-the-shelf solution that will be globally applicable. If we are to unlock commercial viability for every site, it is imperative that each project design is optimised to take account of the site\u2019s specific conditions, local content, fabrication and port facilities, operations and maintenance, and sustainability.<\/p>\n While most current offshore floating projects under development are limited in capacity, in order to prove the technology\u2019s ability to scale it is important for the industry to take a serial production mindset even now. To do so successfully is to involve the developer and contractors at an early stage to collaborate on the project\u2019s lifecycle \u2013 rather than have the design dictate the approach. In doing so, the design becomes uniquely tailored to that specific project and accommodates specific opportunities and limitations.<\/p>\n For example, the designer may opt for a monopile substructure because the region has a well-respected steel fabricator. Or a flat plate rather than a curved plate is specified for the floater to accommodate the local shipyard\u2019s automated welding capabilities.<\/p>\n Sustainability is a consideration too, particularly for those developers whose shareholders have a strong interest in scope two and three emissions. Of course, some solutions will always be more carbon intensive that others \u2013 depending on their steel and concrete content \u2013 however, procurement can also impact the project\u2019s carbon footprint. While shipping steel components from Asia Pacific to Europe might be more cost competitive, depending on location, it can also be more carbon intensive in comparison to local suppliers who may only be marginally more expensive in comparison.<\/p>\n Industry is increasingly focused on ease of onsite installation, and designs \u2013 such as semi-submersibles \u2013 that can simply be floated out of port intact and are seen as inherently advantageous. However, regardless of ambition, most offshore projects, both fixed and floating, are limited in some way by regional port and marine capabilities.<\/p>\n Developing projects in regions with a history of constructing offshore structures \u2013 be it wind or oil and gas \u2013 will not necessarily face this same snag. However, the commercialisation of floating offshore wind could attract projects in all manner of locations \u2013 many of which may not have the same resources to rely on.<\/p>\n While floating offshore wind projects remain in their infancy, the question of port and marine capabilities may not be such an issue. However, if the industry is to reach zero production, it will become a key consideration and one that off-the-shelf solutions may not have the flexibility to accommodate. A tailored approach can flex to, or even innovate around, these limitations and, conversely, take advantage of new capabilities and resources as they evolve.<\/p>\nMaterials and fabrication<\/h3>\n
Port and marine<\/h3>\n