The WHEEL (Wind Hybrid Esteyco Evolution for Low-Carbon solutions) prototype project has received a favourable environmental decision from Spain’s Directorate-General for Environmental Quality and Evaluation (MITECO).
This milestone marks a key step towards the installation of a 6 MW floating wind turbine prototype at the PLOCAN test site (Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias), located off the northeast coast of Gran Canaria. The project includes the grid connection infrastructure and will link to the previously deployed ELICAN prototype, a fixed-bottom gravity-based structure also developed by Esteyco.
WHEEL aims to validate a new generation of floating wind technology under real-world conditions. Designed for deep waters, the system combines structural design with improved construction and operational efficiency. The environmental resolution confirms the project's compatibility following a detailed assessment process involving more than 30 public and scientific organisations.
