On August 1st 2024, the BMWK-funded research project FloatStructure officially started. Andreas supports ESOS Wind GmbH in the conceptual implementation of the project.
It forms part of the collaborative research initiative FloatModular, which aims to develop new floating offshore wind turbine (FOWEA) concepts based on a modular and scalable support structure adaptable to different water depths and turbine sizes.
Building on the experience of thyssenkrupp – Carbon2Chem (C2C) with the HexaBase system, the project seeks to establish a cost-efficient modular construction method enabling serial production, pre-assembly in sheltered coastal areas, and faster approval procedures through component certification. Beyond technical and economic feasibility, the project places strong emphasis on a holistic environmental assessment throughout the entire lifecycle – from manufacturing and installation to operation, decommissioning and potential reuse of the floating foundation.
The Institute of Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems (INAM) at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) will further develop a numerical simulation framework to determine the environmental loads acting on floating structures.
The approach will be validated by model tests, followed by optimization of baseline geometries and experimental demonstration of the best-performing design in a towing tank.
The motivation for FloatModular lies in the ambitious expansion targets defined in the German Offshore Wind Act (WindSeeG, 2023).
Achieving these goals requires a significant acceleration in offshore wind deployment while minimizing ecological impact.
The consortium therefore advocates a shift from conventional fixed-bottom foundations (such as monopiles) towards floating substructures. Conventional foundations involve long permitting times, high environmental impact and residual seabed structures after decommissioning. For the planned installation of 3,000–5,000 new offshore turbines, a sustainable and scalable alternative is essential.
Accordingly, FloatModular will develop two foundation types – one for deep-water conditions (> 100 m) and one for shallow-water applications (30–40 m).