The Barcelona-based wind power development company X1 Wind recently started operating its floating wind power plant with a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) called X30. The project is developed in the Canary Islands, Spain. This is the world’s first wind platform of this type currently operating. The first electricity transfer was through a 0.86 mile (1.4 km) submarine power cable, delivering power to a smart grid offshore platform. This prototype was installed at a water depth of 50 meters and is connected to a 20 kV power converter.
As stated in a press release by the company, such a project with TLP systems “dramatically reduces the environmental footprint and improves compatibility with other sea uses. It further heralds Spain’s first floating wind prototype to export electricity via a subsea cable.”
Strict testing and verification started with the installation of the platform back in November 2023. The new X30 platform is equipped with V29 Vestas turbines, which are specially adapted, as well as an ABB power converter. Compared to traditional mooring lines, using TLP mooring systems minimize the environmental impact.
As said by the CTO and co-founder of X1 Wind, Carlos Casanovas, “Floating wind is set to play a vital role in supporting the future energy transition, global decarbonization, and ambitious net-zero targets.”
This project is being developed using the PivotBuoy Project. The PivotBuoy Project was granted $4.27 million (€4 million), supported by the European Commission’s H2020 Program.
According to the company, it is on track to deliver platforms with a total capacity of over 15 MW in deepwater sites. Furthermore, the total technical potential of offshore wind on a global level is estimated at 71 TW, 70% of which are located in deep waters.
X1 Wind is a Spanish disruptive floating wind technology developer. Their innovative floating wind platforms will bring a cost-effective offshore wind solution that will also reduce weight, be reliable, and offer easier installation.
On the path toward decarbonization, unlocking the huge wind energy potential is crucial. Offshore wind capacities are therefore a key player in the net-zero economy.
