Norwegian company Wind Catching Systems (WCS) has unveiled a new offshore wind power system that can generate electricity for 80,000 European households. With wind farm operators struggling to find suitable locations for wind turbines, WCS has developed a new offshore system that uses over 100 small wind turbines mounted on a 320-meter-high structure. The floating platform is anchored to the seabed and has a double the swept area of a conventional 15-megawatt wind turbine. The Windcatcher is expected to produce five times more electricity than the largest wind turbines currently in use, due to its ability to operate at higher wind speeds.
The Windcatcher is also made up of compact components that can be mounted on a floating platform, making it easier to construct, maintain, and repair than traditional offshore wind turbines. The system can be installed without the need for specialized ships and cranes, which are required for conventional offshore wind farms. One Windcatcher can provide electricity to around 80,000 European households, and five Windcatchers can replace 25 conventional wind turbines, allowing for smaller offshore wind farms with the same output.
WCS plans to verify the technology by the end of 2021, with the first installations expected in early 2022. The Windcatcher is a promising development in the field of renewable energy, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for offshore wind power generation. The system’s ability to operate at higher wind speeds and its compact design make it an attractive option for wind farm operators looking to maximize their output while minimizing their environmental impact.
