Zero-emission wind turbine installation solution gets financial push

Nekkar has secured a NOK 21 million grant from Innovation Norway to progress with the development of SkyWalker, its disruptive wind turbine installation solution.

SkyWalker uses active heave compensation derived from offshore lifting systems combined with digital solutions that allow for remote-controlled and automated solutions.

The solution is being developed as a zero-emissions system. It is said to reduce the environmental impact of installing turbines by considerably reducing the footprint in nature and CO2 emissions from transportation.

According to Nekkar, another aim of SkyWalker is to enable the installation of wind turbines at locations where it currently is not practically or financially viable.

Later versions of the technology can be applied to the installation of both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind turbines, without having to make adaptations to the turbines, the Norwegian company said.

Nekkar is working together with an undisclosed wind turbine original equipment manufacturer and Fred Olsen Renewables on SkyWalker, in combination with support from academia.

“SkyWalker is a great example of how we leverage on our strong legacy within oil and gas to create disruptive solutions for sustainable industries. The cooperation with the wind turbine OEM and Fred Olsen Renewables ensures that the development work is fully aligned with the value chain requirements of the wind power industry,” said Mette Harv, Head of the Renewables business area in Nekkar.