Encomara, the Aberdeen-based floating wind and subsea engineering company, is making significant strides towards the future of renewable energy with the trial of its innovative Squid connection system. The trials are set to take place at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility in Scotland, an exciting milestone for the company and the industry.
The Squid system, weighing in at an impressive 40 tons, has been in development for over five years. Its core innovation lies in its design, which supports mooring lines, power cables, and subsea connectors above the seabed. This capability allows for pre-installation before the arrival of floating wind turbines, streamlining the process significantly.
One of the primary benefits of the Squid system is its ability to facilitate faster connection and disconnection processes for floating wind turbines. This efficiency is crucial as it not only minimizes offshore construction risks but also simplifies operations when turbines need to be towed back to port. By reducing the complexities involved in these operations, Encomara is contributing to safer and more efficient renewable energy production.
The inshore trials are expected to be completed within the month, and upon success, the Squid system will achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8. This advancement is indicative of the system nearing readiness for commercial deployment. Furthermore, in June, Encomara was awarded Product Design Assessment accreditation from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), underscoring the credibility and reliability of the Squid system.
Encomara projects that the Squid system can reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCoE) by up to 15%. These savings will stem from several factors, including pre-installed moorings and cables, quicker offshore connections, lower vessel costs, and reduced production downtime. By optimizing these elements, the technology could play a vital role in making floating wind energy more competitive in the renewable energy market.
As the demand for floating wind technology rises, Encomara anticipates significant growth in the sector. The company estimates that up to 130 manufacturing and project delivery jobs could be created at its facilities in Huntly and Inverness by the year 2030. This potential job creation not only benefits the company but also supports local economies and contributes to the broader transition towards sustainable energy sources.
The trials at Ardersier mark a significant step forward, as they represent the first floating offshore wind project of this type at the newly developed Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, owned and operated by Haventus. The Squid system’s transportation was a logistical feat in itself; it was moved by road from Huntly through Keith and Buckie, then transferred to a vessel for delivery around the headland to Ardersier port, located just east of Inverness in the Moray Firth.
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