First Spanish floating wind array 'by 2025' as Saitec launches Mediterranean pilot
Five-unit 50MW MedFloat off Costa Brava coast to be built around innovative concrete SATH platform concept, the prototype of which is under construction backed by Germany renewables giant RWE
Spain’s first floating wind turbine array could be flowing power to the grid as early 2025, following technology developer Saitec’s launch of a five-unit ‘pre-commercial’ project in the Mediterranean Sea.
The 50MW Medfloat, to be moored in waters of 140-180 metres off Cap de Creus on the Costa Brava coast, will the built around the Leioa-based start-up’s so-called SATH platform, an innovative concrete concept that ‘weathervanes’ to operate in line with the wind stream to improve a turbine’s energy capture.
“Medfloat has started with the presentation of the initial project document for assessment by the competent environmental body, which will answer with information on the scope that the environmental impact study should have,” said Saitec, in a statement. “However, [we are] already carrying out drafting work on the environmental impact study.”
Saitec said Medfloat, which will produce enough power for 50,000 homes, would have a wider benefit to the industry as “a pioneering project to investigate the possibilities of shared use with other activities, especially with fishing and aquaculture, as well as the promotion of employment and boost the supply chain of offshore wind energy in Catalonia”.