The 2 MW DemoSATH project is ready to begin its operational phase in the Cantabrian Sea at the BiMEP test site, where it is scheduled to complete a two-year testing period.
The towing operation to the site, located two miles offshore in 85 metres of water, was completed safely. The Windstaller Alliance participated in the tow-out, the connection to the mooring system and the installation of the floating wind turbine’s dynamic cable.
Windstaller developed a tailored installation methodology for DemoSATH, supported by close collaboration between Saitec Offshore Technologies, RWE Offshore Wind, KEPCO and local tugboat operators. Aker Solutions provided engineering and project management support, while DeepOcean contributed to the dynamic cable installation. The main installation vessel, Solstad Offshore’s Normand Sapphire, was mobilized from Norway with towage, anchor handling, ROV and cable installation capabilities.
The scope included pre-installation inspection, towing, single-point mooring hook-up and cable installation. The full operation was completed in less than 14 days; the mooring system had been pre-installed at the test site and line connection was achieved in less than 3 hours.
The project was executed safely and quickly, thanks to favourable weather conditions and excellent support from Saitec. The methodology used is transferable to other floating offshore wind projects around the world. We are pleased to have contributed to the DemoSATH project.
Guro H. Løken, Head of Windstaller Alliance
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.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind
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
Kazumi Ogura, Executive Officer, Renewable Energy Division, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
During the two-year operational period at the BiMEP site, the SATH technology for floating offshore wind developed by Saitec Offshore Technologies will be tested and its operation and maintenance requirements will be analysed. The project will also provide deeper insight into open-sea metocean challenges, particularly in the demanding conditions of the Cantabrian Sea, and will gather valuable data on the coexistence of the platform with the environment and other maritime activities.
The DemoSATH project benefits from Saitec Offshore Technologies’ engineering and design capabilities, RWE’s offshore wind expertise and the experience of Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO), which joined the project earlier that year. The capabilities of the companies involved and institutional support from CDTI and the Basque Government institutions EVE and SPRI have also contributed to the project.
With installation complete, DemoSATH enters a commissioning phase before electricity generation begins. The platform is designed to harness wind resources in deep waters and convert them into clean, renewable energy, providing technical learning for future commercial projects.
