DEMOWFLOAT

The objective of the DEMOWFLOAT project is to demonstrate the long-term Windfloat performance, operationability, maintainability, reliability, platform accessibility, feasible grid integration on a modular basis, among several other aspects with an impact on availability of the system and, therefore, on the cost of produced energy. In addition, it is imperative that the system passes the scrutiny of the financial sector, as without project financing it is impossible to install multi-megawatt floating offshore wind parks and fulfill the SET Plan and the EII objectives.

WindFloat is an experimental project that aims to test a floating wind turbine for installation in deep water (depths greater than 40 m). This is a way to harness wind power at sea for conversion to electrical energy.

WindFloat is located offshore Póvoa de Varzim, 6 km offshore the coast at a depth of about 50 m. The closest villages are Aguçadoura and Apulia.

The project location is the same as the Wave Power Park marked on nautical charts, allowing the use of both existing submarine cable connection to the electricity substation on land and electrical substation.

On the site, a protected area is defined where navigation is not allowed, and a navigational warning is issued by the Port Captain of Povoa de Varzim.

General Information

Funding: European Comission (FP7)
WavEC Coordinator: Miguel Lopes
Total Funding (Requested EU contribution): € 3 963 665
WavEC Funding: € 444 895
Duration: July 2011 – July 2014 (36 months)
Coordinator: EDP Inovação
Partners: Principle Power (Europe), Limited, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Sea Energy Renewables, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia e Geologia, Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade, Caixa – Banco de Investimento, Sgurrenergy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, A. Silva Matos Energia and WavEC Offshore Renewables.