Alstom and DCNS have signed a partnership agreement for a floating wind energy business as reported by Digital Supply Chain.
They have signed for a joint agreement to develop and commercialize an integrated system for a semi-submersible 6MW floating wind turbine. The groups will combine their skills as naval architect and turbine manufacturer to develop a solution for a potential market.
The project is expected for completion by 2017, which will feature a semi-submersible floating system using an Alstom Haliade 150 offshore wind turbine.
The project named Sea Reed is supported by ADEME, through a Technological Bricks CEI implemented as part of the Investissements d’Avenir scheme, with €6m in funding to conduct the initial study and certification for the floating system, a major step to find a solution for floating wind turbine series model.
By combining the technology of the Haliade offshore wind turbine with DCNS’ unique expertise in the maritime field, company is merging the respective know-hows as early as possible in the process to work together in developing an innovative, competitive energy solution, commented, Jérôme Pécresse, chairman, Renewable Power, Alstom.
In initial stages, both partners will aim to optimize the interface between the two systems. Alstom will take forward the studies to integrate the Haliade with the floating system whereas DCNS will study the behavior, sizing, industrialization and installation of the floating system and the turbine.
Production of this first series model will be a major conclusive indicator before positioning pilot farms and commercial farms. Both partners are able to become the French industrial sector pioneers which will enter into export market.
This partnership will encourage the emergence of a floating wind energy sector that will create jobs in France throughout those coastal areas where the farms will be installed, commented, Thierry Kalanquin, director, Marine Energy and Infrastructures Division, DCNS.
Sabeena Wahid
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