Technip Energies and X1 Wind are preparing to test an innovative floating wind technology designed to significantly reduce hull weights, using an 8.5 MW turbine platform at the newly approved PlemCat test site in the Spanish Mediterranean.

Technology and Design

The technology, developed by X1 Wind, features a shallow-draft semi-submersible hull secured by a tripod-shaped tension-leg platform (TLP) with single point mooring. The NextFloat project will deploy the X100 platform version, suitable for turbines with a rotor diameter up to 160 meters and a primary steel weight of 1,500 tonnes. This design is estimated to achieve a 30% to 50% weight saving compared to traditional steel floaters used in similar-scale European pre-commercial projects.

Key Advantages

X1 Wind claims several benefits for its floater technology. A weathervaning downwind configuration allows the turbine to passively align with the wind, optimizing position and enabling longer, lighter blades. Vertical and chain-free mooring lines significantly reduce the environmental seabed footprint compared to traditional catenary lines. The system also allows for pre-installation of the mooring system and platform, with dynamic cables attached, enabling the floating substructure and turbine to be towed in and connected without large construction vessels, reducing the need for anchor handling tug supply vessels.

Project Status and Financing

The NextFloat project has secured 80% of its capital expenditure financing, including grants from the European Union and the French government, with financial closure dependent on permitting procedures. The PlemCat facility, located in the Gulf of Roses, will feature a floating hub for NextFloat and two other pilot projects. Quayside assembly will take place in Tarragona, Catalonia. In March, classification society DNV issued a statement of compliance for the X100's basic design, validating its structural integrity and safety to international standards.

Future Commercialization

The pilot aims to pave the way for commercialization of the X150 platform, designed for turbines exceeding 20 MW. X1 Wind's CEO stated the project brings floating offshore wind closer to global cost-competitiveness, demonstrating the technology's safety and environmental responsibility. Technip Energies' project manager noted the strong position to advance through financial close toward commercial-scale deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.