ERLANGEN, Germany, June 27 (UPI) -- Norwegian-based energy company Hydro and Siemens Power Generation announced an agreement to cooperate on technology to develop floating wind turbines.
The technology is based on Hydro's Hywind concept and Germany-based Siemens' plans to deliver the first wind turbine for the demonstration unit which will be positioned off the coast of Norway.
Offshore wind turbines have a reduced visual impact and higher power production because of the stronger winds but traditional offshore turbines have depth limits. Floating offshore turbines could be installed at sites with greater water depths.
Hydro has a license to demonstrate the turbine offshore near Karmoey, an island southwest of Norway.
"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 Power Generation 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."
In fiscal 2006, Siemens Power Generation defined its role as one of the largest energy companies in the world, claiming sales amounting to more than $13 billion and receiving new orders worth nearly $17 billion, according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Group, and Siemens' profit amounted to more than $1 billion.
