Equinor opens world's largest floating offshore wind farm

By: Chloe Emanuel 23/08/2023 Equinor

General Turbines Windfarms

International news outlet Reuters has announced that Norwegian energy firm, Equinor, will inaugurate the world's largest floating offshore wind farm today.

The Hywind Tampen wind farm features 11 8.6 MW turbines, boasting a combined capacity of 95 MW. Although the grid connection will be optimized for 88 MW, the excess energy holds the promise of contributing significantly to the power demands of the Gullfaks and Snorre fields.

These turbines, based on Equinor's floating offshore wind concept, Hywind, are poised to generate approximately 35% of the annual power requirements for the Snorre A and B, and Gullfaks A, B, and C platforms. During periods of peak wind activity, this percentage is expected to surge even higher, solidifying the wind farm's status as a renewable energy powerhouse.

A key driving force behind this innovative venture is the substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The project forecasts an annual decrease of over 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions, a figure equivalent to the emissions produced by a staggering 100,000 cars. This reduction marks a significant step forward in Equinor's commitment to environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

Equinor has meticulously evaluated potential sites for powering oil and gas installations across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The Snorre and Gullfaks fields in the Tampen area of the northern North Sea emerged as the most suitable match for this visionary endeavor. With the final turbine installation completed in June 2023, the Hywind Tampen wind farm is now primed for full generation. This imminent achievement not only symbolizes a milestone for Equinor and its partners but also heralds a new era in the energy sector's evolution.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the integration of static fishing within the wind farm. This novel approach aims to create a harmonious coexistence between renewable energy production and marine ecosystems. Moreover, the wind farm's substructures are expected to foster the growth of over 80 different species, further underscoring its positive ecological impact.

The financial investment in the Hywind Tampen project stands at approximately €200 million, reflecting the commitment of Equinor and its partners to drive forward the renewable energy transition.

As the world watches this pioneering initiative, it is clear that the Hywind Tampen floating wind farm is not just a beacon of sustainable energy innovation but also a blueprint for a future where oil and gas platforms can operate hand in hand with renewable energy sources. With full commissioning expected by the end of 2023, the project stands as a testament to the potential of collaboration, ingenuity, and the pursuit of a greener future.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.

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Equinor opens world's largest floating offshore wind farm

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