Odfjell Oceanwind has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Siemens Energy that will see it use their technology in mobile offshore wind units (MOWUs)
MOWUs are floating wind turbines that can move from location to location as and when there is a need for renewable power. The company believes they are well-suited to providing power to oil and gas installations that require power for a limited period.
Odfjell Oceanwind aims to develop, own and operate a fleet of floating MOWUs that are designed to supply electricity to off-grid or ‘micro-grid’ consumers. It describes micro-grids as power grids not connected to the public electricity grid that are often powered by fossil fuels such as natural gas or diesel.
Odfjell Oceanwind chief executive Per Lund said, “Odfjell Oceanwind is on a fast track development to build a rental fleet of floating mobile wind units with the potential to contribute to the oil and gas industry’s emissions reduction targets.
“Co-operation with Siemens Gamesa and Siemens Energy gives us access to world-leading, proven solutions for wind turbines, energy storage, as well as solutions for power and integration to the host platforms. This is vital for us to minimise time to market and scale quickly. Our ambition is to have our first units producing renewable power from 2024.”
Siemens Energy managing director Bjørn Einar Brath said, “Odfjell Oceanwind’s MOWU concept is an innovative and promising solution. Our batteries and power control systems can help provide safe and reliable energy storage for them.”
Siemens Gamesa Offshore chief executive Marc Becker said MOWUs could provide “far-reaching opportunities.”
Odfjell Oceanwind aims to own and operate a fleet of floating wind turbines that would be available for rent. An MOWU would be moored close to an offshore oil and gas installation and connected to it via a subsea cable. At the end of the rental period, the MOWU, with all associated equipment, would move to a new site.
The company said being a mobile unit and a temporary installation, a MOWU does not require a licence and can be considered an extension of the oil and gas production licence.
A ‘WindGrid’ would ensure uninterrupted power supply, enabling the shutdown of the gas turbines on a platform in windy periods. This would help reduce emissions from power generation on offshore oil and gas platforms.
Offshore oil and gas company Odfjell Drilling acquired a stake in the company, then known as Oceanwind AS in 2020. At the time it said its long-term objective was to own and operate what it describes as ‘harsh environment floating offshore wind turbines.’
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