Tension leg buoy UKCS evaluation

Industry context

Offshore installation of floating wind turbines is a significant cost challenge for the industry. ​Aberdeen-based Axis Energy Projects has developed a floating wind foundation that could reduce foundation costs by 25-30% and the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of floating wind by 10-15%.

Project overview

Axis Energy Projects’ tension leg buoy (TLB) concept is based on established oil and gas industry technology related to subsea midwater arches and has been proven at scale in Edinburgh University’s wave test tank. This program of testing, as well as prior numerical analysis undertaken by the University of Strathclyde, has been supported by a combination of Axis Energy Projects’ own funds and grant support secured from the UK government via the Energy Entrepreneurs’ Fund Ph 7, Innovate UK and Scottish Enterprise.​

​The study determined the configuration and structural TLB requirements for a 10MW turbine in three representative UKCS areas. It also provided an estimate of the weight of the components and cost to manufacture and install. ​

​The study demonstrated the TLB design is suitable for water depths of 55m, 145m and 395m and UKCS environment conditions based on loadings from a 10MW turbine.

Outcome

TLB is suitable for water depths of 55m, 145m and 395m ​

The LCOE of offshore floating wind could be reduced by 10-15%​

Foundation costs could be reduced by 25-30%​

TLB is suitable for water depths of 55m, 145m and 395m ​

The LCOE of offshore floating wind could be reduced by 10-15%​

Foundation costs could be reduced by 25-30%​