Case Studies

The Round 3 wind farm build programme requires a much more rapid installation method, typically 200 per annum for each wind farm to ensure the full numbers of turbines are installed by 2020 to meet the UK renewable energy targets. This means the method of installation has to change as there are real limits to the availability of vessels and installation teams using the current approach, even with new vessels entering the market. The biggest goal of this project is to reduce the supply and installation costs per MW installed.

This project aims to deliver a realistic plan for an accelerated offshore wind turbine assembly and installation factory with an optimized onshore assembly process using Xanthus Energy's unique and patented self-installing foundation system. A key deliverable of the project will be a validated lower cost basis of building offshore wind farms based on SeaBreeze(tm) foundations which use a single trip installation process. This buoyant concrete gravity base supports the fully assembled wind turbine as it is towed to site by a standard offshore tug and is ballasted into position on the seabed.

Whilst concrete foundations have already been used for offshore wind farms, none have used onshore assembly. In addition the installation can be accelerated since it uses a single stage process as all the assembly has been done onshore. This means the wind farm can start generating electricity much earlier (up to 12 months faster) than is possible with the offshore assembly method used today. During the project design, modelling and test work will be carried out focusing on the requirements for an offshore wind farm typical to the UK Round 3 offshore wind farm zones. The method of construction, assembly and factory layout will be developed. Installation method will be proven using simulation and model testing.

As a result of the project over two hundred jobs will be created in manufacturing and assembly and installation of the foundation and WTG structures, ultimately preparing the way for a North England offshore wind farm supply business. It also provides a costed and proven method for a new way to build offshore wind farms.

The project consortium members include Xanthus Energy Ltd who have developed their unique selfinstalling foundation system based on their offshore engineering expertise, Able UK Ltd who are significant landowners and port operators on the English East Coast, and Ekspan Ltd who have broad engineering and heavy fabrication experience in the construction and offshore industry.

Dr Lewis Lack, C.Eng, M.I.Mech.E.
Managing Director

Xanthus Energy Ltd
27A Welsh Street, Chepstow
NP16 5LN, Wales, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1636 650982
Email: lewis.lack@xanthusenergy.com
Website: www.xanthusenergy.com
Website: www.fastwind.co.uk