Floating wind is coming to the United States, with areas of the Northeast and Californian coasts being perfect sites for floating wind farms. The Gulf of Mexico may also have some viable areas, although wind speeds and the need for alternative power sources are less in that region. Challenges are still to overcome in all regions, from permitting to economics, logistics and supply chain.
Supply chain management, is key to de-risking project execution
The US offshore supply chain certainly rallied at the Floating Wind Solutions Conference & Exhibition in Houston on 28-29 June 2021, to prove that their extensive track record and expertise in the offshore oil and gas industry and proven technologies are directly transferrable to the floating wind sector. Mooring solutions are key to the safe, reliable, and economical station keeping of floating wind turbines and Tom Fulton, Head of Renewables and Mooring Development, at Acteon, presented a keynote speech on the mooring options for a commercial wind farm. Chris Patton from 2H Offshore, the lead brand for the offshore engineering business segment within Acteon presented the feasibility of power cable solutions for floating wind turbines in a dynamic shallow water environment and the challenges as floating wind moves towards deeper water.
Supply chain management and the use of its established methods and technologies will be key to de-risking project execution. While the marine industry services and technologies used by the oil and gas industry for decades can translate into the floating wind industry, the financing mechanisms behind projects are quite different. Renewable projects may impart more confidence to investors because of the existence of a power contract, but their budget is, at the same time, less flexible than the ones of oil and gas projects. The bankability of floating wind projects is increasing as the supply chain works closer in collaboration with hull developers and as concepts and technologies are moving from demonstration to commercialisation, using proven installation methods, trusted components and suppliers.
The importance of asset structural integrity
The importance of building asset structural integrity capabilities early on in the projects was also emphasised to reduce risk and operational costs. Predictive maintenance using sensors and digital twin simulation can be achieved for a fraction of the total project cost while dramatically enhancing the efficiency and cost of the inspection and maintenance of floating wind turbines down the line. With its structural integrity services and integrity data management software tool, Acteon delivers such services.
The Floating Wind Solutions Conference & Exhibition demonstrated not only the growing interest in floating wind in the US but also the preparedness of the offshore marine and infrastructure industry. Acteon is one of the key players, being able to deliver services throughout the whole life cycle of a floating wind project, from site characterisation to engineering support, mooring design and installation and asset integrity management. Through early engagement and a unique point of contact, we can significantly reduce the total cost of construction and installation of subsea infrastructure, safely and responsibly, hereby reducing the levellised cost of energy (LCoE). Our technologies and innovative methods help countries and companies to reduce their carbon emissions and meet ambitious climate goals.
HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF FLOATING WIND
Acteon’s expertise in mooring design and marine installation spans decades. We apply our deep domain expertise to help you choose the best options, from anchoring to cable laying to installation methods, to mitigate technical risks and lower the levellised cost of energy (LCOE).