Bechtel is partnering with Swedish floating windfarm and technology developer Hexicon to demonstrate innovative offshore wind technology for large-scale floating power generation projects off the coast of the UK.

The floating technology could be a game-changer in offshore power generation as it can be deployed in deep waters at a lower cost of energy than other solutions, this is essential to the industry that currently relies on shallow water platforms that are fixed to the seabed.  

Positive results from the demonstration project will further bolster the UK as a world leader in offshore wind generation and support the government’s path to generate 40GW of offshore wind power by 2030. 

Marcus Thor, CEO of Hexicon, said: “Our technology is one of a handful of solutions that can support deep water offshore wind projects, which will massively increase the potential for offshore wind power generation. The UK has shown great initiative in this industry and we are delighted to have world-leading construction and engineering company Bechtel to help us deploy our innovative twin turbine floating foundation in British waters.” 

The initial partnership will draw on Bechtel’s engineering, construction, and project financing expertise to develop the design and constructability of the offshore wind facility. In addition to demonstrating a 35-40MW floating wind project, the team will also establish how the technology could be brought to market and explore the roles that local suppliers could play in shipbuilding, mooring, and installations, as well as the long-term serving needs of floating offshore wind.

George Whittaker, Bechtel business development manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Hexicon to bring their important technology to the market. As a company that has a long history solving complex engineering problems, including in the offshore industries, we are confident that this technology is possible and could be a real game-changer for the renewables market.”