US startup plans folding floating turbine platform pilot this year

San Francisco-based Aikido’s platform for floating wind turbines can be folded up during assembly, which the company claims means it occupies two thirds less space in a shipyard or quayside port facility and saves on costs.

The innovative platform also has pin joints that enable serialised production of its 13 major steel components; a fit-for-purpose, re-usable assembly structure that enables quick placement, alignment, final assembly and transport; and an upending procedure that only requires water ballast.

The investment round was led by Azolla Ventures with participation from Propeller Ventures, Sabanci Climate Ventures, Cisco Foundation, Anthropocene Ventures and others. 

“Floating wind must become commercialised by the end of the decade so that we can meet decarbonisation targets,” said Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido Technologies. “We believe that our technology suite represents a step change in reducing costs, simplifying logistics and increasing throughput of floating wind systems.”

Backed by Bill Gates

The company is currently building its inaugural Aikido One platform – funded by Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy – with its fabrication partner Morrison Energy in Harvey, Louisiana. Once completed, the company plans to demonstrate its technology in the Gulf Coast in the autumn of 2024.