Sif to work with Entrion Wind on demonstration project for deepwater monopile

Entrion Wind is developing the FRP monopile, which combines fixed and floating technologies to extend the water depth suitable for the use of monopiles up to 100 m.

DNV has issued a statement of feasibility affirming the FRP monopile is conceptually feasible and a promising candidate for further development and qualification.

Under the MoU, the companies will jointly co-operate to further develop the FRP concept. Subject to the completion of the ongoing FRP development, Sif Netherlands will assist with the identification of a site in Europe for the demonstration and support the evaluation of monopile design and fabrication. Sif Netherlands may also assist in overall planning, detailed design and supplying a monopile for the demonstration project. 

Sif project strategy director Michel Kurstjens said, “Sif Netherlands is excited to work with Entrion Wind on new technology that could extend the operating depth, economics and supply chain of monopiles from 60 m to 100 m.

“The technology is a good fit for our strategy of gradually innovating monopile technology within current supply chain constraints and establishing satellite fabrication capacity to promote renewable energy expansion.”

Having completed the design phase of its top mooring assembly (TMA) for the FRP monopile, Entrion Wind has engaged Panterra AS to manufacture a 1:2 prototype of the TMA and help oversee TMA testing. 

Panterra is a leading fabricator in Norway with a proven track record of providing offshore equipment and mooring and tensioning solutions.

The FRP monopile is based on a monopile and an offshore mooring system, both technologies with proven field experience. The only novel component is the TMA, connecting the mooring system and the monopile and designed with 500-tonne pretensioning capacity.

Entrion Wind will test TMA prototype at the Mil-Lab at the university of Agder in Grimstad, Norway at the end of 2023, prior to undertaking the demonstration project in 2024.