The WindFloat foundation was detached from its mooring lines and electrical cable, and then towed back to Southern Portugal’s to the Port of Sines, where the wind turbine was dissembled. In July 2016, having completed all of its project objectives, Principle Power initiated the WindFloat decommissioning process. The WindFloat’s very successful 5-year deployment, in the open ocean of the Atlantic, has proven that the technology can meet its promise and is ready for commercialization. Additionally, certification (or class) was an area of focus in the prototype design as it will be a future requirement for commercial projects. To date the system has produced in excess of 16 GWh of electricity, delivered by sub-sea cable, to the local grid. Principle Power gained priceless operational data and experience for use in future WindFloat systems world-wide.
The structure was completely assembled and commissioned onshore before being towed some 400km along the Portuguese coast (from it's assembly facility near Setubal, Portugal). In October, 2011, Principle Power deployed a full-scale 2 MW WindFloat prototype (WF1) 5km off the coast of Aguçadoura, Portugal.
Further, economic efficiency is maximized by reducing the need for offshore heavy lift operations during final assembly deployment and commissioning. The innovative features of the WindFloat dampen wave and turbine induced motion, enabling wind turbines to be sited in previously inaccessible locations where water depth exceeds 40m and wind resources are superior. WindFloat is a floating foundation for offshore wind turbines with a simple, economic and patented design.
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