JB Energy signs MOU with ABS for Aura Sul floating wind project

Aura Sul Wind, led by JB Energy, will be located 65 km offshore Rio Grande in water depths of 44 m. JB Energy’s Raijin Float floating foundation is at the heart of the project. It is designed for domestic manufacturing in Brazil, leveraging the country’s strong cement industry, shipyards, offshore engineering expertise, and port infrastructure, built over decades of oil and gas activity.

ABS will provide support to support to JB Energy, a Japanese engineering and technology company working on floating offshore wind using proprietary technology and integrated engineering solutions, in two key areas of the project: emissions reduction for the Port of Rio Grande and a preliminary decommissioning strategy for the Raijin Float platform, a concrete-based, semi-submersible floating wind foundation.

The Raijin Float is constructed using precast and prestressed concrete, and is designed to be stable and highly resistant to wave and wind loads. The prefabricated concrete components used in its construction are assembled on site. The components are designed to be modular, which allows for rapid construction and assembly of the platform. The platform’s stability is achieved through a combination of its shape and its use of prestressed concrete, which provides added strength and durability.

JB Energy says the use of prestressed concrete helps to reduce the weight and volume of the platform, while maintaining its strength and stability. “Overall, the use of precast and prestressed concrete in floating wind turbine platforms can offer several advantages, including improved durability, reduced weight, and faster construction times,” the company states.

The studies with ABS will address emissions reduction at Port of Rio Grande, including electrification, renewable integration, low-carbon logistics, clean fuel opportunities and related infrastructure. They will also examine removal concepts, towing and transport, dismantling, port logistics, environmental and safety considerations, and recycling and reuse opportunities for the Raijin Float platform.

ABS vice president global offshore markets Rob Langford said, “Floating offshore wind development depends on strong regional infrastructure and clear life-cycle planning from the outset. Through this collaboration with JB Energy, ABS will support studies that advance safe, sustainable and economically viable offshore wind development in Brazil.

JB Energy chief executive Rodolfo Gonçalves said, “One of the most sustainable offshore wind structures is the one whose entire lifecycle has been considered from day one. Together with ABS, we are integrating port decarbonization, lifecycle thinking, and innovative decommissioning strategies into the Aura Sul Wind Project from its earliest stages. This collaboration will help establish new benchmarks for the sustainable development of floating offshore wind, not only in Brazil but for future projects worldwide.”

Aura Sul Wind, led by JB Energy, will be located 65 km offshore Rio Grande in water depths of 44 m. The Raijin Float foundation would potentially be capable of supporting an 18-MW wind turbine.