Iberdrola and the University of Strathclyde have started work on the TLPWIND project, it has been announced.

The partnership is a research and development (R&D) initiative which will focus on the offshore wind power sector.

According to ScottishPower, the aim of the project is to promote the installation of offshore wind farms in areas of the UK where this option is currently not feasible due to water depth.

The scheme will see a state-of-the-art floating wind turbine model designed and installed, which will be implemented on a subsequent basis at a number of sites, where water depth ranges between 60 and 100 metres.

-- Advertisement --

The foundations of the turbine model would be moored to the seabed using tensioned cables, and this would virtually restrict the movement of the platform on which the offshore wind turbine will be placed. The dimensions and weight of the steel used in the platforms would also be optimised to the maximum, and reduce construction costs.

In a statement, ScottishPower said using the foundations would mean the possibility of undertaking most of the installation operations on land before then transferring the structure out to sea. This would help to simplify the operations involved and again bring down costs.

The project is being supported by Innovate UK.

(JP/IT)