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The DemoSATH project achieved a significant milestone by successfully deploying its 2MW innovative floating wind platform demonstrator in open sea waters. The Windstaller Alliance, utilizing their anchor handling vessel, the Normand Sapphire, alongside local tugboats, towed DemoSATH from the Port of Bilbao to the BiMEP test site, located 11 miles away. At the 85m deep BIMEP site, situated 2 miles offshore in the Cantabrian Sea, the hook-up procedure entailed connecting the six pre-laid mooring lines to the structure’s single-point mooring turret.
Ongoing efforts in the BiMEP area focus on finalizing the dynamic and static cable connection, facilitating the pull-in to DemoSATH’s turret, which will enable energy export to the onshore electrical grid. Anticipated to power the equivalent electricity needs of 2,000 Spanish households annually, DemoSATH’s floating installation completion signifies a remarkable stride toward realizing wind-powered sustainable electricity generation.
Over a span of 2 years at the BiMEP site, the floating offshore wind technology, SATH, developed by Saitec Offshore Technologies, will undergo comprehensive testing. The focus lies in scrutinizing operational and maintenance requisites. The initiative is poised to gain deeper insights into metocean challenges, particularly within the demanding environs of the Cantabrian Sea. Collected data will furnish an invaluable understanding of platform-environment coexistence and harmonization with maritime activities.
The success of the DemoSATH project stems from the collaboration of Saitec Offshore Technologies’ engineering acumen, RWE’s offshore wind industry expertise, and the enriching contribution of Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO). Additional corporate strengths and institutional backing from the Spanish Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), Basque Government’s EVE, and SPRI, further anchor the project.
With unit installation concluded, the DemoSATH project now embarks on the commissioning phase, paving the way for electricity generation. This pioneering floating wind platform also has tremendous potential to curtail carbon emissions and amplify Spain’s global renewable energy aspirations.
David Carrascosa, Chief Operations Officer at Saitec Offshore Technologies, said, “This milestone in the installation of the DemoSATH floating offshore wind project validates the years of steady commitment, resilience, and teamwork. Along the journey we have overcome some challenges that now serve as valuable lessons for future projects. We are proud of the achievements of our team, and the combined efforts of our collaborators. It’s thrilling to witness the DemoSATH project set sail, playing an integral role in the progression of renewable energy.”
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind, added, “The offshore installation of the DemoSATH project is an important milestone on our way to the commissioning of RWE’s second floating demonstration project. We see great potential for floating wind farms around the world as they unlock opportunities in countries with deeper coastal waters. As a floating pioneer the firsthand learnings from our demonstration projects are key to us optimizing our upcoming commercial scale projects and securing their safe delivery.”
Kazumi Ogura, Executive Officer, Renewable Energy Division, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., noted, “We take great pride in our achievement of pioneering a new frontier in offshore wind power generation by installing the innovative floating wind platform demonstrator, thanks to major contribution from our partners. We will continue to prioritize safety and work together as a team to advance the pioneering DemoSATH project. Through DemoSATH project, we remain committed to continuous learning from the project and harnessing this knowledge to make progress towards achieving a zero-carbon society.”
