Hexicon to pilot twin-turbine floating wind at old wave test site

Hexicon plans to use a former wave energy testing site off the UK’s south-west coast to trial its twin-offshore wind turbine floating platform.

The floating specialist has agreed a deal to acquire the Wave Hub offshore renewable energy test site from the local authority, Cornwall Council, for an undisclosed sum.

Hexicon plans to develop the site for a 30-40MW floating offshore wind project and deploy its twin-headed floating offshore wind platform.

It will work with engineering firm Bechtel to establish how the technology could be brought to market, and explore the roles that local suppliers could play in fabrication and assembly, mooring, installations and operations and maintenance.

The Swedish firm believes first power could be delivered by 2025.

Its UK subsidiary, TwinHub, is currently discussing leasing arrangements with seabed landlord the Crown Estate to use Hexicon’s twin-turbine platform at the Wave Hub offshore renewable energy test site.

Wave Hub has a 30MW grid connection and agreement with local utility Western Power Distribution to expand this to 40MW. The site is located 16km from the short and has water  depths of 51-57 metres.

Hexicon’s deal to buy the site is expected to be completed at the end of May 2021.