Cancel

Top tips

What is offshore wind energy?

Wind energy at sea

0:00

What is offshore wind power all about?

Offshore wind energy is generated by grouping windmills or wind turbines floating in the sea.

One of the major advantages of this type of wind energy is that it floats in the sea, so it ensures more stable wind speeds, while avoiding any possible obstacles. Ultimately, It's renewable energy generated from the wind that's environmentally friendly,

Advantages of offshore wind energy

The location of the offshore wind farm, in deep waters and far off the coast, allows it to harness the natural resource of strong, high-speed winds much better than onshore wind farms.

Disruptive and innovative technology

The installation of the semi-submersible wind platforms in deep waters minimizes its environmental impact.

Guaranteed supply of clean energy

This offshore wind farm guarantees uninterrupted, carbon-free, clean energy production throughout its entire 25-year-long useful life.

Free of geographical boundaries

Its location at sea and ease of installation make it possible to replicate in other locations. It can also withstand extreme weather conditions, such as 112 km/h winds, completely undamaged.

How does wind energy work?

Wind turbines harness wind power. The wind doesn't encounter any obstacles and reaches constant, high speeds, while producing large amounts of renewable energy.
The force of the wind spins the blades of the turbine and converts kinetic energy into electricity, which is transferred through underwater cables to the coast.
Once there, the electricity goes through an electrical substation where it is transformed and then transported by electric lines to homes, businesses, hospitals, and more.

What is the environmental impact of an offshore wind farm?

What does offshore wind energy consist of?

The installation of an offshore wind farm must undergo certain processes to carry out the project. These processes are of vital importance as they show the feasibility of the project. The required processes are: a positive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and above all, a study on the compatibility of the project with other uses of the maritime space.

In order to complete these processes, a series of very rigorous and exhaustive studies in the area must be carried out during the years prior to the project. This study must contain information regarding the compatibility of the wind farm with the surroundings and the environment. Marine life, migration and navigation routes in the area, transportation of sediment, among others, must be taken into account. This study is mandatory in order to start the project. However, it must continue to be carried out during the construction and operation phases.

The main goal of this study is to truly protect the environment of the area to be developed. In order to really achieve clean energy, we must make sure that don't damage or pollute the environment during this process.

What are we doing in the offshore wind energy field?

Discover WindFloat Atlantic

It's the the first semi-submersible floating wind farm in the world and belongs to the WindPlus consortium, comprising EDP, Renováveis, Engie, Repsol, and Principle Power. It features innovative technology that makes it possible to harness offshore wind energy. Find out about this pioneering project.

Structure designed to anchor itself at depths greater than 40 m

First-ever floating wind farm on the Iberian Peninsula

Capable of withstanding 17-meter waves and winds of more than 60 knots

Features an expected capacity of up to 25 MW (enough power for 60,000 people)

Boasts the largest and most powerful turbines ever installed on a floating structure

It has a maximum height (base + tower + rotor) of 190 meters, half the size of the Empire State Building

The rotor is 164 meters in diameter, double the size of the largest passenger airplane in the world

Milestones

See the how the project is developing step by step.

Fully operational

_{July 2020}

The last platform of WindFloat Atlantic has been connected to the grid, and the windfarm has been fully commissioned.

See press release

Offshore wind turbine. Windfloat project

Last platform sets sail

_{May 2020}

The last of the three pre-assembled wind turbine platforms has left the Port of Ferrol today towards its final destination.

See press release

Image of turbine blades and another offshore turbine

First platform in operation

_{January 2020}

The first platform has been connected and can now supply Portugal's power network with 8.4 MW of energy generated by its wind turbine.

See press release

Second towing

_{December 2019}

Second platform with a fully installed turbine sets off from the Port of Ferrol towards its final destination in Portugal.

Towing and installation

_{October 2019}

First platform with a fully installed turbine sets off from the Spanish Port of Ferrol towards its final destination 20 km off the coast of Viana do Castelo in Portugal.