Seawind Systems and Dr. Techn. Olav Olsen Strategic Alliance

Offshore wind is a renewable energy source with tremendous potential, but significant roadblocks prevent it from becoming a self-sustaining industry. High current installation and maintenance costs make it unattractive for private sector investments and it is heavily reliant on on-going subsidies.

Olav Weider, Managing Director at Olav Olsen said: ‘The Seawind team’s life-long work has been to develop a commercially viable alternative to current 3-bladed turbines. The European Union recently awarded their efforts with a ‘Seal of Excellence’. We are excited to participate in their 6,2MW Demonstrator project at the MetCentre demonstration facility in Karmøy.’

Martin Jakubowski, CEO of Seawind: ‘The high cost of wind energy is due to the fact that current offshore models are modified versions of heavy, three-bladed onshore turbines, not made for offshore operations. Offshore wind energy is restricted to moderate climates, because current models cannot withstand harsher conditions, like hurricanes. Seawind will offer the first 6.2 MW two-bladed upwind energy turbine specifically designed for offshore. With its teetering hinge and yaw control, it is built for violent offshore conditions. It contains less material and fewer parts, has longer expected life and on board maintainability. We are very proud that we are able to work with the prestigious engineering company Olav Olsen on our first offshore Demonstrator’.

Seawind implements key enabling technology into rugged turbines, made to be installed and operated at sea. Even in storm-prone areas, like East Asia and the US. The turbine nacelle has a helipad that allows heavy helicopters to safely transport personnel and equipment. The LCOE will be significantly lower than for traditional offshore wind turbine systems.

Seawind and Olav Olsen have entered into a strategic alliance to build a first Demonstrator in 2018 of the Seawind 2-bladed turbine using an innovative Olav Olsen support structure. Olav Weider: ‘Offshore concrete structures such as the Condeep platforms have been the company’s trademark since the seventies. We have worked closely with the Seawind technical team to develop an specific design for their unique 2-bladed wind turbine’. Olav Olsen has a track record in installing highly innovative offshore structures.