Wind Energy – Tests
The three companies that have signed contracts with Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre) will test new technology aimed at reducing costs of floating offshore wind.
Before Christmas last year, METCentre, located off the west coast of Norway, received approval to expand its test area with up to four new test sites. The world’s first floating offshore wind turbine is already located at the site, and in 2021 it was joined by the Stiesdal-developed TetraSpar. There is space for seven turbines at the site, which can produce up to 85 MW together.
The companies that have now signed with METCentre will demonstrate floaters with 15 + MW turbines. There are no other places in the world testing at this scale. This is the turbine size that will be relevant for future floating offshore wind farms.
The test area is located just a few kilometers away from the Utsira Nord area, where Norway’s first commercial floating offshore wind farm will be located.
