The Glosten Associates (Glosten) has recently appointed RES Offshore to provide expert support for its pioneering floating offshore wind turbine demonstrator project.
This project will demonstrate Glosten’s PelaStar tension leg platform (TLP) floating foundation system at the deep water Wave Hub demonstrator facility in Cornwall, UK. RES Offshore are providing a wide range of services to Glosten, including construction advice and operational strategy development, engineering design due diligence and turbine procurement management services. RES are working closely with project partner Alstom who are supplying their 6 MW Haliade wind turbine for this project.
The project is commissioned and funded by Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), and it is focused on accelerating the development and deployment of floating foundation technology.
At present the project is in the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage, with a goal of construction and deployment of a 6 MW demonstration unit as early as 2015.
The ETI demonstration project will showcase key PelaStar floating foundation technologies including: the new five-arm design that enhances system reliability; synthetic fiber tendons developed primarily for optimal performance whilst minimising material and installation cost; and the integration of large, next-generation offshore wind turbines to maximise wind resource capture.
Rosa Gindele, Project Engineer at RES says: “We’re delighted to be working on such an innovative and ground-breaking project. This cooperation makes use of RES’ unrivaled experience in the offshore sector, as well as our commitment to the innovative projects which push the industry forward. The full scope of work with Glosten showcases our experience in asset operations and maintenance, engineering design and construction management.”
Chris Morgan, RES Offshore CEO says: “RES have always been at the forefront of technology development and deployment and we are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute towards this exciting and innovative project. Cost effective deployment of floating turbines will significantly increase the potential for renewable energy generation from deepwater sites and we look forward to supporting The Glosten Associates on this project.”
William L. Hurley, Glosten’s Chairman and Project Manager for the ETI Demonstration Project says: “We are very pleased to have RES Offshore involved in this exciting and potentially industry-changing project. RES offers unique experience and expertise in offshore wind that will enhance the execution of the project.”
Press release, November 26, 2013; Image: Glosten