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Self-installing turbine assembly system enables smaller jack-up vessels to be used SENSEWind’s self-installing turbine assembly technology has the potential to reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCoE) at a large-scale fixed-bottom offshore wind farm by 4.7%, according to a report from accreditation agency DNV. The figure is stated to be equivalent to a £1bn saving over the operational life of a project. The technology transports the rotor nacelle assembly to the top of the turbine tower using a bespoke carriage system, which enables smaller jack-up vessels to be used bringing down the cost of installation and maintenance. Previous independent studies indicate similar savings can be achieved for floating offshore and onshore wind projects, SENSEWind said. A 2GW floating scheme could see LCoE reductions of 9%, saving almost £3bn over the operational period, it added. Its first commercial offering will be onshore in collaboration with a turbine manufacturer on a 6MW unit. This will then be progressed to fixed-bottom offshore applications and ultimately to the floating sector, providing an alternative to tow-back-to-port operations. SENSEWind chief executive Patrick Geraets said: “The results from DNV for fixed-bottom validates our approach to solving the increasingly difficult problem of installation and long-term maintenance of ever larger turbines. “I am not aware of any other technology under development today which can deliver the level of saving predicted for the SENSE system.” Company chairman Julian Brown added: “Not only does our technology reduce installation time and costs, utilising widely available vessels, it provides the opportunity for a different approach to major component replacement, so the turbine is up and running again quickly.” SENSEWind plans to install a 2MW onshore demonstrator later this year supported by grant funding from the UK government and is working on scaling the system up to support a 6MW-8MW onshore commercial prototype. Chris Walker, chairman of lead investor Muirhall Energy, said: “The DNV report is very encouraging and gives credibility to the opportunity the SENSE technology offers. “I am keen to deploy the technology on Muirhall’s 1GW pipeline of onshore projects as soon as we can identify an OEM partner to work with.” |
