Principle Power reports that floating offshore wind projects using its WindFloat technology have generated more than 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity since WindFloat 1 was connected to the grid in 2011. These floating wind farms have experienced waves of up to 20 meters and winds of up to 214 Km/h (equivalent to a Category 4 typhoon).
The total includes output from:
- WindFloat 1: 2 MW pilot in Portugal (2011–2016) and Scotland (2018–2020)
- WindFloat Atlantic: 25 MW project off Portugal, operational since 2020
- Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm: 48 MW project off Scotland, operational since 2021
WindFloat platforms support turbine output through several design features:
- Semisubmersible architecture – provides a stable platform and ensures turbines operate within limits.
- Hull trim system – uses water ballast to counteract thrust forces, keeping turbines vertical (within 0–2 degrees >97% of the time), which can increase energy output by up to 2.5% compared with passive platforms.
- Robust and redundant structure – enhances operational reliability.
Based on experience from WindFloat Atlantic, Kincardine, and the under-construction 30 MW Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project, Principle Power is planning commercial-scale floating wind projects in France, South Korea, and the UK. These are expected to feature 12–70 turbines each, with capacities of 15–20 MW per turbine.
image: courtesy Ocean Winds
