Power Grid

Norway's first pilot site for floating offshore wind turbines has received significant funding for its development, marking a major milestone for the country's renewable energy efforts. A recent press release obtained by the Washington-based Specialized Energy Platform revealed that the project has secured 1.2 billion crowns ($107 million) from Norway’s Enova.

The funding is aimed at supporting small-scale commercial offshore wind projects, and the initiative is expected to contribute to Norway's broader renewable energy goals.

The innovative concept behind this project involves the creation of a multi-turbine wall, which offers a fresh approach to floating offshore wind power. Unlike traditional wind technology, which relies on a single large turbine, this new design uses multiple smaller turbines arranged in a wall-like structure.

The pilot project is set to be the first demonstration of this groundbreaking technology, with plans to complete it by 2029.

In contrast to the growing trend of increasing turbine size to harness more energy from high-speed winds, this new approach tackles some of the challenges that come with large-scale turbines, such as the need for massive infrastructure and high maintenance costs.

The smaller turbines used in the Wind Catcher system, developed by Windcatching Systems, are designed to be more cost-effective, generating significantly more electricity per square meter than traditional three-blade turbines. Furthermore, if one turbine fails, the system continues to operate efficiently, and broken turbines can be easily replaced on-site, reducing the need for costly cranes and specialized vessels.

The project is set to take place northwest of Bergen, Norway, off the coast of Oijgarden and North Westavend, where 40 one-megawatt turbines will be used to generate a total of 99 GWh of electricity annually. Windcatching Systems was selected for the project after a competitive process, with nine applications submitted to Innova’s call for innovative offshore wind designs.

This project is part of Norway’s ambitious plan to reach 30 GW of floating offshore wind capacity by 2040. Innova CEO Niels Christian Naxtad emphasized the role of the organization, stating, "Our role is to ensure the development of the technology, and thus reduce costs. We are delighted that many actors want to take the lead in such an exciting project." The pilot is expected to showcase the potential of Wind Catcher's technology, making offshore wind power faster and more affordable.