The DemoSATH project has achieved a significant milestone with the successful installation of its 2MW innovative floating wind platform demonstrator in open sea waters. The operation, carried out by the Windstaller Alliance, used their anchor handling vessel, the Normand Sapphire, along with local tugboats, to tow DemoSATH from the construction site in the Port of Bilbao to the BiMEP test site, located 11 miles away.
Once at the 85m deep BIMEP site, which is 2 miles offshore in the Cantabrian Sea, the hook-up operation involved connecting the six pre-laid mooring lines to the structure's single-point mooring turret.
Works in the BiMEP area are ongoing to finalize the connection of dynamic and static cable and pull-in to the DemoSATH's turret which will enable the energy export to the onshore electrical grid. DemoSATH is expected to generate the equivalent electricity needs of 2,000 Spanish households a year.
The completion of this floating installation marks a major step forward in the project's mission to harness wind power and generate sustainable electricity.
David Carrascosa, Chief Operations Officer at Saitec Offshore Technologies highlights: "This milestone in the installation of the DemoSATH floating offshore wind project validates the years of steady commitment, resilience, and teamwork. Along the journey we have overcome some challenges that now serve as valuable lessons for future projects. We are proud of the achievements of our team, and the combined efforts of our collaborators. It's thrilling to witness the DemoSATH project set sail, playing an integral role in the progression of renewable energy."
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind states: "The offshore installation of the DemoSATH project is an important milestone on our way to the commissioning of RWE's second floating demonstration project. We see great potential for floating wind farms around the world as they unlock opportunities in countries with deeper coastal waters. As a floating pioneer the firsthand learnings from our demonstration projects are key to us optimizing our upcoming commercial scale projects and securing their safe delivery."
Kazumi Ogura, Executive Officer, Renewable Energy Division, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. declares: "We take great pride in our achievement of pioneering a new frontier in offshore wind power generation by installing the innovative floating wind platform demonstrator, thanks to major contribution from our partners. We will continue to prioritize safety and work together as a team to advance the pioneering DemoSATH project. Through DemoSATH project, we remain committed to continuous learning from the project and harnessing this knowledge to make progress towards achieving a zero-carbon society."
DemoSATH installed in BiMEP area in the Cantabrian Sea
During the 2-year operational period at the BiMEP site, the SATH technology for floating offshore wind developed by Saitec Offshore Technologies will be tested, and the tasks related to its operation and maintenance requirements will be analyzed. The project also aims to gain deeper insights into the metocean challenges in open sea, particularly in the harsh conditions of the Cantabrian Sea. Additionally, the collection of data will provide valuable knowledge regarding the coexistence of the platform with the environment and other maritime activities.
The DemoSATH project benefits from the combination of Saitec Offshore Technologies engineering design skills, RWE's expertise in the offshore wind industry and the vast experience brought by Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) who joined the project earlier this year. In addition, the capabilities of multiple other companies involved and the institutional support from the Spanish Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) and the Basque Government institutions EVE and SPRI has ensured the success of the project.
With the installation of the unit now complete, the DemoSATH project will enter a period of commissioning, which will be followed by the operational phase when electricity generation will commence. The floating wind platform has been designed and equipped to harness the power of the wind in deep coastal waters and convert it into clean, renewable energy. This pioneering technology holds immense promise for reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the renewable energy goals of Spain and other countries around the world.
Graphic material
- Towing and connection operation video
- Project recap video
- DemoSATH transport and installation images
Please direct enquiries to:
Coral Jaén
Head of communications and marketing Saitec Offshore Technologies
T. (+34) 94 464 65 11 M. (+34) 627 79 17 67
coraljaen@saitec.es
Vera Bücker
Head of RWE Media Relations International & Finance
M +49 (0) 162 251 73 29
vera.buecker@rwe.com
Saitec Offshore Technologies
Saitec Offshore Technologies is a spin-off of Saitec Engineering, an infrastructure engineering company with over 30 years of experience. Founded in 2016, the primary goal of Saitec Offshore Technologies is to facilitate the global expansion of offshore wind energy by introducing an innovative and cost-effective concrete floating technology that overcomes the limitations associated with water depth, reduces both CAPEX and OPEX and enhances local content.
Saitec Offshore Technologies is actively participating in tenders and developing commercial projects worldwide, with a focus on the UK, France, and Japan, where they have their subsidiary, Saitec Offshore Japan KK.
RWE
RWE is leading the way to a green energy world. With an extensive investment and growth strategy, the company will expand its powerful, green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts internationally by 2030. RWE is investing more than 50 billion gross for this purpose in this decade. The portfolio is based on offshore and onshore wind, solar, hydropower, hydrogen, batteries, biomass, and gas. RWE Supply & Trading provides tailored energy solutions for large customers. RWE has locations in the attractive markets of Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company wants to phase out coal by 2030. RWE employs around 19,000 people worldwide and has a clear target: to get to net zero by 2040. On its way there, the company has set itself ambitious targets for all activities that cause greenhouse gas emissions. The Science Based Targets initiative has confirmed that these emission reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement. Very much in the spirit of the company's purpose: Our energy for a sustainable life.
Kansai Electric Power
Kansai Electric Power is one of the largest utilities in Japan, located in western Japan and established in 1951. Its major business fields are Electric power (generation, transmission and distribution), heat supply, telecommunications, and gas supply. In an effort to create a sustainable society, The Kansai Electric Power Group declared "Zero Carbon Vision 2050" in which our group as a leading company of zero-carbon energy, is aiming for carbon neutrality throughout the entirety of its business activities including power generation by 2050.
