French offshore wind pioneer Ideol and compatriot contractor STX have unveiled plans to develop a new-look floating substation designed to be compatible with both bottom-fixed and deeper-water wind farms in 30-metre-plus depths.

The “universal and modular” concept, based on Ideol’s shallow-draft damping pool’ platform technology, is to be market-ready for France’s upcoming floating commercial tenders, expected in 2019.

“This floating substation is currently being designed and engineered with a target of maximum standardisation and modularisation that allow cost reduction,” the two companies said in a statement.