The first floating power plant on a platform with tension supports has been launched

Off the coast of the Canary Islands, a prototype of the floating power plant X30, developed by

by X1 Wind.According to the company, this is the first operational wind farm installed on a tension leg platform (TLP), traditionally used for offshore hydrocarbon production.

TLP technology allows for productionwind energy at deep sea facilities, while reducing the impact of production on the marine ecosystem. The tension leg platform reduces the seabed used for mooring and increases the allowable depth at which power plants can operate to over 500m.


Starting the X30. Video: X1 Wind

The first X30 power produced was transferred tothe intelligent network of the offshore platform via a 1.4 km submarine cable. After the launch, engineers from X1 Wind will continue to test the platform. The company plans to confirm the safety and stability of the power plant to start commercial deliveries of similar generators with a capacity of 15 MW.

The X30 platform was designed with severalkey design features to simplify the installation process, engineers say. It uses a lightweight and stable “platform” that can be easily towed to the desired location by small vessels.

In addition, the technology combines the platform withtension supports and a single-point mooring system. This simultaneously reduces the load on the environment and provides freedom of movement for the wind turbine to maximize the use of wind power without twisting the cable.

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Cover image: X1 Wind