In Japan, the world’s largest floating wind generator with a blade span of 200 meters will be built
Such installations are suitable for placement in deep seas
The Japanese energy company Toda and experts from Osaka University will develop the project of the world’s largest floating wind generator. Engineers intend to build a prototype turbine capable of generating up to 15 MW of electricity.
This was reported by Nikkei Asia.
The experiment will be conducted in several stages. Final construction is planned to begin in 2025.
In 2023, the research team will develop a design for a high-power floating turbine. The group consists of 10 engineers from Toda and Osaka University specializing in offshore wind turbines and marine engineering. The key task of this stage of work will be to develop computer models to analyze the risks and loads on the floating platform, as well as to analyze the issues related to the mass production of such installations and the transmission of electricity.
In 2024, engineers will create a demonstration installation of a floating turbine capable of generating 10 MW of electricity. And in 2025, it is planned to build a wind generator with a blade span of approximately 200 meters, which is three times more than the current similar installations.
According to preliminary forecasts, such a turbine will be able to generate 12-15 MW of electricity.
Compared to stationary wind turbines that are installed on the surface of the seabed, floating turbines are more expensive to install and maintain.
This factor prevents their large-scale deployment even in Europe, where offshore wind energy has developed significantly in recent years. However, the absence of shallow seas around Japan makes the project of floating wind turbines more attractive.
A consortium of companies led by Toda is operating the first commercial floating turbine off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture. The cost of one kilowatt of electricity produced by a 2 MW plant is 36 yen (about $0.26).
To reduce the cost of power generation below 10 yen per kilowatt-hour and make wind turbines competitive with thermal power plants, it is necessary to significantly increase the capacity of offshore turbines.
