DemoSATH: One year of success and innovation

September 23, 2024, marks the first anniversary of DemoSATH’s successful operation at BiMEP, a significant milestone for floating offshore wind technology. Over the past year, we have gained valuable insights into the potential and resilience of the SATH platform (Swinging Around Twin Hull), which has consistently proven its reliability in extreme marine conditions.

Despite facing the fierce Cantabrian Sea, with waves reaching 10.78 meters (recorded on November 4, 2023) and wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h, DemoSATH has demonstrated remarkable endurance. These demanding conditions underscore the strength of the platform, as 42% of the time the significant wave height exceeded the safe limit of 1.5 meters, a stark contrast to the North Sea’s average of 30%. Nonetheless, thanks to the tireless efforts of our team and collaborators, DemoSATH has continued to exceed expectations, validating the potential of floating offshore wind power.

Performance and efficiency

The innovative design of DemoSATH, which includes a tween hull structure, damping plate, and a rotating mooring system, has been key to enhancing stability and minimizing wave impact. The floater’s ability to mitigate pitch and roll movements ensures stable energy production even in harsh conditions. This design efficiency allowed the turbine to operate at its full 2 MW capacity for continuous 24-hour periods, proving its ability to harness wind power in medium to severe environments.

Innovation and sustainability

DemoSATH’s success is not only technical but also environmental and economic. Built with a concrete hull and promoting local supply chains, the platform exemplifies sustainable innovation. Its integrated control system, centralizing turbine and floater operations, has been pivotal in optimizing performance through real-time data analysis.

Looking ahead

On September 26, 2024, DemoSATH was awarded the Final Prototype Certification by Bureau Veritas, confirming compliance with international safety, structural integrity, and operational viability standards. This achievement further reinforces the progress made in floating wind technology.

As we reflect on this year of achievements, DemoSATH stands as a powerful testament to innovation and resilience, paving the way for future advancements in floating offshore wind energy. This project showcases the immense potential of our oceans for clean, sustainable energy.