UK - Deep water wind turbine foundation design shortlisted by the Carbon Trust

A design for a new generation of deep water wind turbine foundations developed by a British consortium led by consultant Gifford has been selected in a competition organised by the Carbon Trust.

Just seven design concepts out of more than 100 entries have been chosen for further development and the team of Gifford, Freyssinet and BMT Group is the only British-led consortium to reach this far.

The team’s design centres on a concrete foundation rather than steel, with a large base allowing the structure to self-stabilise under forces of gravity in water depths of 20 to 45 metres. The team has also devised a cost-effective transportation and installation system using submersible barges, avoiding the use of heavy crane barges and offshore jack-up platforms. The offshore structures which typically weigh over 3,000 tonnes are then settled into place.

The system proposed allows for production line onshore construction to achieve substantial reductions in the cost of deep water wind farms, an important consideration in the design competition. Next year up to three designs will be taken on to the second phase of large-scale demonstration.

Gifford director Pat Jansen said: “Energy producers face the challenge of generating clean and sustainable energy so they are looking to build bigger offshore wind farms in deeper waters. We believe our concept will provide a practicable and competitive solution. “