Hywind, a floating wind turbine prototype has been installed in 720 feet of water about 7 miles southeast of Karmøy, Norway. The turbine will be tested over the next two years by StatoilHydro of Norway and Siemens of Germany.
The floating technology allows turbines to be placed in deep water because they can be anchored with three wires and need not be attached to the seabed with a foundation. They can also be placed out of the view of coastline residents who often object to foundation-mounted models. The seabed is also left relatively undisturbed which is better for marine life.
Oceanic Wind Farms
Deep Water Power Installation Floating Off Norway's Coast
Trend Themes
1. Floating Wind Turbines - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the advancement of deep-water renewable energy generation and the potential for expanded offshore wind farm installations.
2. Deep Water Power Installation - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for anchoring floating wind turbines in deep water.
3. Undisturbed Seabed Preservation - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the creation of technologies and practices that minimize the disturbance of the seabed during offshore wind farm installations.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the integration of floating wind turbines as a viable and sustainable source of renewable energy.
2. Offshore Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the expansion of offshore wind farm installations in deep water to harness the potential of untapped wind resources.
3. Environmental Conservation - Disruptive innovation opportunities include the development of environmentally friendly methods for offshore wind farm installations that preserve marine ecosystems.