BlueTEC platform to float with double power

The BlueTEC Texel Tidal partnership is planning the installation of a second, larger turbine on the BlueTEC floating platform that has been successfully operating during its first months of deployment.

“The electricity production conforms to expectations, the mooring loads are lower than expected and the stability is better than expected. It is a great success,” said Allard van Hoeken, Head of New Energy at Bluewater Energy Services.

Following its launch this summer, the platform’s new mooring system was tested during two large storms occurring in the deployment area, and according to the Texel Tidal partners, the mooring system passed ‘with flying colours’.

The project partners are now looking forward to the next step in its development: “We will install the next turbine – a Tocardo T2 – before the winter. This will double the platform’s capacity,” said Allard van Hoeken. “A few months after that we will install a second T2 turbine. With two turbines working simultaneously this will double the capacity once again to reach the 400-500 kW mark. This means a proven solution is available on the market. In the meantime we will proceed to even larger units of 2.5 MW each.”

Van Hoeken added that due to the advantages of a floating system, the platform can be easily reached, which saves time and simplifies maintenance operations.

The list of Texel Tidal project partners includes Bluewater, Damen Shipyards Group, Niron Staal, Van Oord, Acta Marine, Vryhof Anchors, TKF, Tocardo, Schottel Hydro, NIOZ, Tidal Testing Centre, Nylacast and the Port of Den Helder.

To celebrate the milestone moment of first electricity generation, the Texel Tidal Project partners are holding an open reception at the forthcoming Offshore Energy Exhibition at the Amsterdam RAI, the Netherlands.

This will be an opportunity to meet the various partners and to learn more about the project. The reception is to be held on Tuesday, October 13, from 4 to 6 pm at the Damen and TKF exhibition booths (#9.023 & #9.017).

On Wednesday, October 14, the project results will be presented at the special Marine Energy event from 12.30 to 6 pm.

Image: Damen Shipyards Group