Hydro and Siemens cooperate on technology for full-scale demonstration of floating wind turbines


The Norwegian energy company Hydro and Siemens Power Generation (PG) have entered into an agreement to cooperate on technology to develop floating wind turbines based on Hydro's Hywind concept. Siemens will deliver the first wind turbine for the demonstration unit which will be positioned off the coast of Norway.

Locating wind turbines offshore has obvious advantages, such as reduced visual impact and increased power production due to strong and stable wind conditions. Floating offshore turbines could be installed at sites with greater water depths. Hydro currently has a license to place a demonstration turbine offshore near Karmoey, an island in the southwest of Norway. The company is also considering the possibility of locating the wind turbine near an oil installation with the aim of supplying it with renewable energy.

"We are pleased to get Siemens on the team," said Alexandra Bech Gjoerv, Head of New Energy at Hydro. "Siemens Power Generation is already a leading supplier of offshore wind turbines on fixed foundations. This new technology partnership will give us a leap forward in installing the world’s first floating wind turbine at sea."

"Making floating offshore foundations commercially viable is a significant technological challenge," said Andreas Nauen, Head of the Siemens PG Wind Power division. "Entering this strategic agreement with Hydro puts us in the best possible position to further expand our proven technology and leading position in the growth market sector of offshore wind farms."

The Power Generation Group (PG) of Siemens AG is one of the premier companies in the international power generation sector. In fiscal 2006 (which ended September 30), Siemens PG posted sales amounting to more than EUR10 billion and received new orders totaling EUR12.5 billion, according to U.S. GAAP Group profit amounted to EUR782 million. On September 30, 2006, PG had a work force of approximately 36,400 worldwide.


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