Ørsted, the Danish renewable energy company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Acciona's infrastructure division to collaborate on exploring floating offshore wind foundations. Acciona is a global engineering and construction company specializing in renewables and a leading designer of innovative floating wind foundation solutions. This collaboration brings together Ørsted's expertise in offshore wind with Acciona's unique experience in large-scale construction projects and carbon reduction through the use of carbon-neutral materials.
The primary objective of the Ørsted-Acciona MoU is to industrialize the fabrication of concrete foundations, reduce floating wind levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and establish a European supply chain to support Ørsted's European project pipeline for floating wind. The companies also aim to explore the use of carbon-neutral bio-cement, bio-concrete, and other materials that support their biodiversity and carbon reduction goals.
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According to estimates, more than 20% of new offshore wind farms will be floating by the mid-2030s. Ørsted aims to commercialize floating wind technology, as demonstrated most recently with its Salamander project in Scotland. As a result, the company is taking steps to grow its European floating pipeline, with Spain being a key market of interest. Advancing floating wind technology and bringing it to market is a key strategic aim for Ørsted's floating wind programme, and supply chain partnerships are the way to achieve this goal.
Huberto Moreno, CEO of Acciona's construction division, commented that this collaboration would help accelerate their business's development as a supplier of offshore platforms for the wind power industry. Ørsted's expertise, as well as Acciona's knowledge of infrastructure and renewable energy, will be critical to the success of this agreement.
Gabriel Davies, Head of the Floating Wind Programme at Ørsted, added that with floating wind, they can deliver renewable electricity, energy independence, and clear pathways to net-zero to many more markets worldwide. Working with Acciona will help them realize the potential of floating wind at scale in Europe by innovating, investing in the supply chain, and reducing costs while reducing carbon emissions.
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The Ørsted-Acciona MoU is a significant step forward for the floating offshore wind industry, as it brings together two leading companies with complementary expertise to address the challenges of commercializing this technology. The partnership is expected to benefit both companies, as well as the wider renewable energy industry, by reducing costs and increasing efficiency in the production of floating wind foundations.
