The signing of the agreement was attended by Alstom Renewable Power Chairman Jérôme Pécresse and DCNS Marine Energy and Infrastructures Division Director Thierry Kalanquin. The two companies will combine their respective skills as naval architect and turbine manufacturer to develop a semi-submersible floating wind turbine capable of delivering 6MW of green electricity. The objective is to be in a position to produce the first turbine by 2017 with the semi-submersible floating system developed by DCNS and featuring Alstom’s Haliade 150 offshore wind turbine which is already being used in fixed-bottom offshore wind projects.
The project, named ‘Sea Reed’, has received support from ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, through a Technological Bricks CEI implemented as part of the “Investissements d’Avenir” scheme. The support consists of 6 million euros of funding in order to cover the initial study and certification phase for the system. Both partners will work together to optimise the interface between the two component systems with DCNS conducting studies on the behaviour, sizing, industrialisation and installation of the floating system combined with the turbine. Alstom will be in charge of studies to adapt and integrate the Haliade with the floating system.
Floating wind farms can provide better wind conditions than fixed-bottom systems while also being more extensive and at a further distance from the shore. They also offer the benefits of a simplified installation process which in turn helps to reduce costs.
“By combining the technology of our Haliade offshore wind turbine with DCNS’ unique expertise in the maritime field, we are merging our respective know-hows as early as possible in the process so we can work together at developing an innovative, competitive energy solution” said Alstom Renewable Power Chairman Jérôme Pécresse.
DCNS Marine Energy and Infrastructures Division Director Thierry Kalanquin added that the partnership will encourage the emergence of a floating wind energy sector that will create jobs in France throughout the coastal areas. This will be the first ever partnership between a naval architect and an energy-sector player who has already demonstrated the performance of a high-power wind turbine.
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