Siemens Gamesa to Power Equinor’s South Korea Floating Wind Farm Pioneer

A Groundbreaking Renewable Energy Project

Siemens Gamesa, a leading global wind turbine manufacturer, has been selected by Equinor, a Norwegian oil and gas company, to supply its wind turbines for Equinor’s floating wind farm project in South Korea. This significant agreement marks a major milestone in the development of one of the world’s first floating wind farms.

A Major Breakthrough in Offshore Wind

Located approximately 60 kilometers off the coast of Ulsan in South Korea, the wind farm will feature 11 Siemens Gamesa’s SWT-8.0-154 turbines, each with a capacity of 8 megawatts. The installation will have a total installed capacity of 88 megawatts, making it one of the largest floating wind farms in the world.

Why Floaters?

Offshore wind farms have been instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy globally. However, the challenges of installing conventional monopile foundations in deeper waters have led to the development of floating wind turbine designs. Siemens Gamesa’s floating wind turbines, designed by Principle Power, will be anchored to the seafloor using innovative suction bucket foundations.

Innovative Technology

The SWT-8.0-154 turbines will be equipped with advanced technology, including Siemens Gamesa’s B108 blade design, which offers enhanced performance, reliability, and maintenance benefits. The turbines will operate at a hub height of 80 meters, and their 154-meter-long blades will spin at a speed of 24 revolutions per minute.

Sustainability

The South Korea floating wind farm is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 750,000 tons per year, equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road. This milestone project will contribute significantly to South Korea’s renewable energy goals, which aim to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in the energy mix to 25% by 2030.

Conclusion

The partnership between Siemens Gamesa and Equinor marks a significant step forward in the development of floating wind technology. The South Korea floating wind farm will be a game-changer for the global wind industry, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of floating wind power on a large scale. As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, projects like this will play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

FAQs

Q: When will the project be completed?

A: The project is expected to be completed in 2025.

Q: What is the capacity of the wind farm?

A: The wind farm will have a total installed capacity of 88 megawatts.

Q: What technology is being used for the wind turbines?

A: The wind turbines will be equipped with Siemens Gamesa’s B108 blade design and will operate at a hub height of 80 meters with 154-meter-long blades.

Q: What is the expected CO2 reduction?

A: The project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 750,000 tons per year.