Two new studies exploring key issues for commercial-scale floating wind farms have been launched by a joint industry project (JIP) group led by UK government-industry body the Carbon Trust.

Commissioned by the Scottish government and 12 sector partners – EnBW, Engie, Eolfi, E.ON, Iberdrola, innogy, Kyuden Mirai, Orsted, Shell, Statoil, Vattenfall and Wpd Offshore – the JIP will cover development of high voltage (HV) dynamic export cables, and monitoring and inspection of floating wind farms.

The first study, led by BPP Cables, will aim to address the “notable gap” in the market for the HV dynamic 130-250kV export cables that will eventually replace the less efficient 22-66kV inter-array cables currently available.

As part of the study, the Carbon Trust intends to launch a competition to support cable manufacturers to develop suitable designs in time for the first commercial floating wind projects, expected in the next five-10 years.

The second study, led by Oceaneering, aims to develop a risk-based approach to monitoring and inspection of floating wind farms’ hulls, mooring lines, anchors and cabling.

“The lack of available dynamic export cables is currently a key technical and commercial risk for floating wind projects and we are hopeful of playing an important role in stimulating the market to develop solutions for the industry,” said Carbon Trust manager Rhodri James.

“Monitoring and inspection also becomes increasingly important in large-scale deployments, and we again hope to play a role in both ensuring that current standards and guidelines are fit for purpose, while identifying novel technologies that can reduce operations and maintenance costs.”

Last month the JIP launched two other projects, one focussing on heavy lift offshore operations and the other on the impact of ultra-large-scale turbines on floating wind foundations.

Wind

Cables and inspection in the spotlight for floating wind JIP