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Floating Wind Turbines

Introduction New Technology of Wind Energy

The world of wind energy is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to make wind farms more efficient, powerful, and environmentally friendly. 

The wind industry is also focused on developing technologies that minimize the environmental impact of wind farms. This includes studies on the impact of turbines on birdlife and marine mammals, as well as developing quieter and more visually appealing turbine designs.

Here are some of the most exciting advancements:

1. Floating Wind Turbines:

One of the biggest limitations of traditional wind farms is their dependence on land. Floating wind turbines break this barrier by being anchored in deep waters, where wind speeds are stronger and more consistent. This opens up vast new areas for wind energy development, especially in countries with limited land availability.

2. Larger and More Efficient Turbines:

Wind turbine technology is constantly pushing the boundaries of size and efficiency. Modern turbines have blades that can reach over 200 meters in diameter, capturing significantly more wind energy than their predecessors. These advancements lead to increased power generation and lower costs per unit of electricity.

3. Advanced Materials and Design:

New materials like lighter and stronger composites are being used in turbine blades, allowing for longer spans and increased efficiency. Additionally, innovations in blade design, such as twisted or oscillating blades, are being explored to optimize performance in different wind conditions.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in wind farm optimization. AI algorithms can analyze wind data and turbine performance to predict power output, optimize turbine placement, and improve maintenance schedules. This leads to more efficient and reliable wind energy production.

5. Integration with Other Renewables:

Wind farms are increasingly being integrated with other renewable energy sources like solar and storage. This creates a more flexible and resilient energy system, as different sources can compensate for each other’s variability.

6. Environmental Considerations:

The wind industry is also focused on developing technologies that minimize the environmental impact of wind farms. This includes studies on the impact of turbines on birdlife and marine mammals, as well as developing quieter and more visually appealing turbine designs.

Floating Wind Turbines

Floating Wind Turbines

Anchoring Clean Energy in Deep Waters

Imagine towering wind turbines, not firmly rooted on land, but gracefully dancing atop the waves. This is the captivating reality of floating wind turbines, a revolutionary technology unlocking the vast potential of offshore wind energy.

Breaking Free from Land’s Grip:

Traditional wind farms are limited by the shallow waters their fixed-foundation turbines can handle. But floating turbines break free from this constraint, venturing into the boundless depths where wind speeds are stronger and more consistent. This opens up a treasure trove of renewable energy in regions with limited landmass or challenging coastlines, like Japan and Portugal.

Engineering Marvels:

These majestic giants of the sea are feats of engineering ingenuity. Their foundations, often resembling semi-submersible platforms or spar buoys, provide a stable base even as waves surge around them. Sophisticated mooring systems, incorporating chains and anchors, keep them tethered to the seabed, ensuring they weather the fiercest storms.

Harnessing the Ocean’s Might:

The deeper waters offshore offer not just stronger winds, but also steadier ones. This translates to higher capacity factors, meaning these turbines generate electricity more consistently than their land-based counterparts. Think of it as a reliable friend, always there to lend a hand (or rather, a gust) when you need it most.

Scaling Up and Beyond:

The technology is still in its early stages, but the growth potential is immense. Governments and energy companies are pouring investments into research and development, aiming to make floating wind cost-competitive with traditional sources. With larger turbines and improved designs on the horizon, the future looks bright for these ocean-borne powerhouses.

Floating Wind Turbines

Floating Wind Turbines Projects

Anchoring Clean Energy: A Voyage Through Floating Wind Turbine Projects

Floating wind turbines are no longer a futuristic dream, but a tangible reality revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape. These majestic giants dance atop the waves, harnessing the ocean’s boundless wind power in previously inaccessible deep waters. Let’s embark on a voyage through some of the most groundbreaking floating wind turbine projects currently making waves:

1. Hywind Scotland (United Kingdom):

Pioneering the way, Hywind Scotland stands as the world’s first operational floating wind farm. Commissioned in 2017, this project off the coast of Aberdeenshire boasts a single 6MW turbine, proudly generating clean energy for over 5,000 homes. Its success paved the way for further advancements in the technology.

2. WindFloat Atlantic (Portugal):

Venturing further into the Atlantic, WindFloat Atlantic showcases the scalability of floating wind. This Portuguese project, operational since 2020, features three 8MW turbines, powering around 60,000 homes and showcasing the technology’s potential for large-scale energy production.

3. Kincardine Offshore Windfarm (United Kingdom):

Claiming the title of the world’s largest floating wind farm at the time of its completion in 2021, Kincardine Offshore Windfarm off the coast of Aberdeen boasts five 8MW turbines. This project not only generates clean energy for over 55,000 homes but also serves as a testing ground for innovative turbine designs and grid integration solutions.

4. Hywind Tampen (Norway):

Demonstrating the adaptability of floating wind to harsh environments, Hywind Tampen braves the icy waters of the North Sea. This project, operational since 2022, features five 8MW turbines powering an offshore oil and gas platform, showcasing the technology’s potential for decarbonizing industrial operations.

5. St Brieuc Offshore Wind Farm (France):

Looking ahead, the St Brieuc Offshore Wind Farm in France promises to be a game-changer. Scheduled for completion in 2025, this project will boast 62 11MW turbines, generating enough clean energy to power over 830,000 homes. Its sheer scale highlights the immense potential of floating wind to contribute significantly to national energy needs.

Floating Wind Turbines

Table of Floating Wind Turbines Projects Worldwide

Table of Floating Wind Turbine Projects (Sorted by Capacity)

Project Name Country Year Commissioned Number of Turbines Total Capacity (MW) Status
St Brieuc Offshore Wind Farm France (2025, Planned) 62 682 Under construction
Kincardine Offshore Windfarm United Kingdom 2021 5 40 Operational
Hywind Tampen Norway 2022 5 40 Operational
WindFloat Atlantic Portugal 2020 3 24 Operational
Hywind Scotland United Kingdom 2017 1 6 Operational
WindFloat Atlantic II Portugal (2024, Planned) 2 22 Under development
TetraSpar Floating Wind Project France (2025, Planned) 20 200 Under development
Goto Offshore Wind Farm Japan (2023, Planned) 7 49 Under development
Moray West Project United Kingdom (2027, Planned) 85 1190 Under development
Coexist Project Portugal (2026, Planned) 20 200 Under development

Notes:

  • This table is the same as the previous one, but sorted by total capacity (number of turbines multiplied by turbine capacity).
  • Projects under development are included with their planned capacities.

I hope this sorted table provides a clearer view of the capacity of different floating wind turbine projects. 

Benefit of Floating Wind Turbines

Floating wind turbines, those majestic giants dancing atop the waves, offer a treasure trove of benefits for both clean energy production and environmental well-being. 

Let’s dive into some of the key advantages of this revolutionary technology:

Harnessing the Untapped:

  • Access to stronger, steadier winds: Unlike their land-based counterparts, floating turbines venture into deep waters where wind speeds are more consistent and powerful. This translates to higher energy production and more efficient electricity generation.
  • Unlocking vast new areas: Land constraints are a thing of the past! Floating turbines open up previously inaccessible deep-water regions, expanding the potential for wind energy development, especially in countries with limited landmass.

Environmental Champions:

  • Reduced visual impact: Gone are the concerns about visual clutter on land. Floating turbines gracefully blend into the seascape, minimizing visual impact on coastal communities and preserving scenic beauty.
  • Minimal land use: No need to compete with precious land resources for agriculture, forests, or urban development. Floating turbines keep their footprint at sea, allowing harmonious coexistence with terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Lower noise pollution: Compared to their land-based counterparts, floating turbines generate less noise pollution, creating a more peaceful environment for coastal communities and marine life.

Technological Triumphs:

  • Scalability and cost reduction: As technology matures and projects like St Brieuc demonstrate, floating wind farms can be scaled up to meet large-scale energy needs. This paves the way for cost reduction through economies of scale, making clean energy even more accessible.
  • Co-location potential: Existing offshore infrastructure like oil and gas platforms can be co-located with floating wind turbines, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact.
  • Innovation playground: The offshore environment presents a unique set of challenges, spurring innovation in turbine design, mooring systems, and grid integration solutions, benefiting the entire wind energy industry.

Economic Powerhouse:

  • Job creation: From construction and maintenance to research and development, floating wind farms create new jobs in diverse sectors, boosting local economies and fostering skilled workforces.
  • Energy security and independence: Reliance on imported fossil fuels diminishes as countries harness the abundant wind resources in their own waters, leading to greater energy security and independence.
  • Decarbonization and sustainability: At the heart of it all, floating wind turbines are champions of the fight against climate change. By providing clean, renewable energy, they contribute significantly to decarbonization goals and a sustainable future.

These are just some of the numerous benefits that make floating wind turbines a beacon of hope in the transition to a clean energy future. As technology advances and projects continue to flourish, these gentle giants of the sea will undoubtedly play a crucial role in powering our world with the boundless energy of the wind, while preserving the delicate balance of our planet.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/01/new-technology-of-wind-energy-floating.html

Renewable Energy

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

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Some of us are looking for a single, simple statement to encapsulate what is going so wrong in America today, and perhaps it relates to what Aristotle says at left here.

Even the MAGA folks think that what they’re doing is “right.”  By this I mean white supremacy, mass deportation of immigrants (with or without due process), the rejection of science, and so forth.

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

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Renewable Energy

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

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As Trump’s former lawyer Ty Cobb says at left, in addition to turning the United Stated into an autocratic regime, at the same time, Trump needs to alter history such that future generations don’t think he did anything wrong.

Yes, he has his hands full, but he’s assisted by hundreds of traitors in congress, and hundreds of millions of hateful morons in the U.S. electorate.

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

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Renewable Energy

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties 

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Exciting opportunity alert for Victorian commercial and industrial sectors! A major energy incentive has
arrived!

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program has just rolled out an exciting new activity offering, deemed solar incentives specifically for commercial and industrial (C&I) properties starting from 1 October 2025.

This means easier access to valuable rebates when you install solar systems, accelerating your journey to cleaner, more affordable energy.

Whether you run a factory, office, or retail space, this update could dramatically reduce upfront costs and boost your ROI on solar investments.

So, if you don’t want to miss this game-changing chance to power your business sustainably and save big, keep reading!

Breaking Down the 2025 VEU Changes: Is Your Business Ready to Cash In?

Well, the main goal behind these new solar incentives is to help the commercial properties to reduce energy cost,
lower emissions and most importantly increase electrification in the
commercial sector
.

It’s a part of a broader push by the Victorian Government to accelerate clean energy adoption in the Australian
C&I sector.

Through this program the government offers incentives of up to $35,000 that support the installation of solar PV
systems ranging from 30 kW to 200 kW across the non-residential premises.

Eventually, by generating Victorian Energy
Efficiency Certificates
(VEECs) and combining them with STCs and LGCs, it aims to drive energy efficiency
across Victoria’s business sector.

What Are Deemed Solar Incentives?

“Deemed” solar incentives refer to rebates or energy certificates like VEECs that are calculated upfront based on estimated energy savings over the life of a solar PV system rather than measuring actual savings year by year.

In simple terms, in this incentive program, the government “deems” or assumes how much energy your solar system will save over time and rewards you right away with certificates (VEECs). You can then trade it for either cash or rebates.

How Do These Deemed VEECs Work?

When you install a solar PV system between 30 kW and 200 kW on a commercial or industrial property, the system is assigned a pre-calculated number of VEECs based on its size, expected performance, and energy offset.

These VEECs have a market value, and also the accredited companies, like Cyanergy, can create and trade them for you.

And the best part that creates a difference is that, through these deemed VEECs, we ensure you get substantial upfront savings without waiting years to prove the actual energy savings.

What Makes This a Big Win for C&I Businesses?

  • Easier application process.
  • No complicated monitoring is needed for rebates; here, the savings are estimated in advance.
  • Immediate financial benefit, as there is no waiting time needed for long-term performance data.
  • Stackable with other schemes, such as combining with STCs or LGCs, can bring you even bigger savings from your business.

Top 6 Benefits of Going Solar for C&I Premises

With the government-backed incentives like the VEU program, commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses have
several reasons to make the switch.

Here are the 6 key benefits:

  • Saves Energy Cost

Reduce your business’s electricity bills significantly by generating your own clean power. With VEU incentives, STCs,
and LGCs, upfront installation costs are lowered by up to 30–35%, delivering faster return on investment.

  • Ensure Energy Independence

Adding solar panels protects or shields your business from rising energy prices and grid instability. Incorporating
solar on your premises gives you greater control over your energy use and costs, especially for high-demand
operations.

  • Boost Your Business’s Sustainability & Reputation

Switching to solar directly supports Victoria’s clean energy and sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions
and dependence on fossil fuels.

In Australia, more and more customers, clients, and stakeholders prefer doing business with companies that support
green initiatives.

So, by investing in solar, you’re not just cutting costs, you’re also enhancing your brand image, thus aligning with
corporate sustainability.

  • Future-Proof Your Business

Commercial solar systems (30 kW to 200 kW) can be custom-designed to match your building, energy usage, and
operational hours, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.

It future-proofs your business by preparing for growing energy demands and regulations.

  • Increase Property Value

Installing solar can increase your property’s value and appeal, especially for leased commercial spaces and
industrial buildings that seek energy-efficient certifications.

  • Access to Multiple Rebates, More Savings!

C&I businesses can benefit from stacked government incentives, including VEU incentives up to $35,000, STCs for
systems under 100 kW and LGCs for systems over 100 kW.

How Much Can You Save With This New Activity?

Under the 2025 update, eligible businesses can receive VEU incentives of up to $35,000 just for going solar.

As mentioned earlier, these Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) represent estimated energy savings and can be combined with other financial incentives, like:

  • Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

  • Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

This stacking of incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation. For larger system sizes, that’s more than 100kW, this rebate can reduce the price by 30 to 35% or more.

Let’s have a glimpse at the following tables for better understanding!

Small-Scale Commercial Solar Systems (<100 kW)

These are ideal for smaller commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces looking to cut energy costs with a fast return on investment.

Small-scale systems allow you to stack VEU incentives and STC rebates for immediate savings, with simple installation and faster payback:

Large-Scale Commercial & Industrial Systems (≥100 kW)

These are designed for larger facilities like factories, warehouses, and multi-site operations. These systems deliver serious energy savings and qualify for LGCs in addition to VEECs.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the VEU Solar Incentives?

To qualify for these new VEU solar incentives, your commercial property must meet the eligibility criteria.

So, let’s dive into the requirement list and see how your business can make the most of this exciting new
opportunity:

  • Installation Date: Must start after September 29, 2025
  • System Size: Between 30 kW and 200 kW
  • Location: Non-residential premises only.

For example: warehouses, factories, retail stores, health care centers,
schools, universities, sports facilities or new commercial buildings

  • Accreditation: An accredited company must be engaged to create the certificates.

Special Requirements for Hardware:

  1. Solar Panels and inverters must be approved by the Clean Energy Council.
  2. The panels must have a minimum 10-year product warranty.
  3. Inverters must have a minimum product warranty of 5 years.
  4. For smaller systems under 100 kW, solar panel brands must participate in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative
    (SPVI).
  5. The system must include access to a monitoring portal or regular system performance reports.

Need Assistance? Cyanergy is Here to Help!

When it comes to navigating government incentives and getting the most value out of your solar investment, experience matters the most. And Cyanergy excels at it.

With 10+ years of experience and over 467 successful commercial projects, Cyanergy brings years of proven expertise in renewable energy and commercial solar solutions.

From warehouses and retail stores to offices and manufacturing facilities, we’ve helped many Australian businesses to transition faster to clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy.

Our team understands the unique energy demands of commercial and industrial operations and delivers customized solar systems that maximize savings and performance.

Ready to start your solar journey? Let’s talk.

Cyanergy will guide you through every step, making the process smooth, efficient, and profitable. For the latest updates on VEU programs, keep your eyes on the Cyanergy website!

The post Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties  appeared first on Cyanergy.

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties 

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