Next Generation Integrated Floating Wind Optimized for Deep Waters

Introduction

The NEXTFLOAT+ project will deploy a breakthrough Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) technology that will revolutionise the offshore energy industry by reducing costs and facilitating technology scale-up. The project will bring together a disruptive and structurally efficient floating wind platform, a two-bladed downwind turbine, an innovative Single-Point-Mooring system, and marine environment regeneration technology.

This combination of technologies will supply green electricity to approximately 4,400 households in France (considering a yearly average electricity consumption per household is around 4,679 kilowatt hours (kWh)). The expected relative greenhouse gas emission reduction is 99.59% compared to the reference scenario.

Innovative Technology

The project goes beyond the state of the art through its multi-faceted approach to innovation. By combining a tripod-like structure with a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) mooring and a downwind turbine, the PivotBuoy® technology creates a structure that:

• Passively weathervanes with the wind direction
• Reduces the steel weight by up to 49% compared to traditional technologies

The design significantly brings down capital and operational expenditure, creating a reliable and efficient system that is easier to install and maintain.

In addition, the Single Point TLP reduces seabed occupation, while the Bio-Boosting systems recover the affected natural environment, ensuring coexistence with fisheries and natural habitats. These technologies will reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) to €62-106/megawatt hour (MWh) by 2030 and will avoid over 35,600 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions over the first ten years of operation.

Alignment with European Policies

The initiative aligns with key European policy areas, notably in achieving climate neutrality through scaling up the use of renewable energy. The NEXTFLOAT+ project is aligned with:

1. The European Union's Strategy on offshore renewable energy
2. The European Green Deal aiming at climate neutrality by 2050

Economic Implications

The NEXTFLOAT+ project will also have significant implications for local and regional economies. The project represents the next step towards the industrialization of offshore wind, which is key for the ramp-up of local supply chains.

The scalability of the project’s design also allows for both efficiency gains and cost reductions, providing a foundation for further deployment and broad economic benefits.