ECOFLOWIN

An Innovative Strategy to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of a Floating Wind Energy Technology

We integrate engineering, structural design, materials and environmental science to reduce carbon footprint.

About the Project

Project Motivation

Floating wind energy is a crucial innovation in the global energy landscape, offering solutions to the challenges of transitioning toward more sustainable energy sources and achieving the “Net-Zero” greenhouse gas emissions target. Unlike conventional offshore wind technology, floating wind turbines can be installed in deeper waters, where they can harness more stable and powerful winds. This makes them an essential tool for achieving the European Green Deal’s ambitious goal of reaching 230-450 GW of total offshore wind capacity in Europe by 2050.

To meet these targets, new floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) systems are required. Currently, installed FOWT capacity stands at 121 MW, with projections reaching 18.9 GW by 2030 and 264 GW by 2050. However, despite its potential, floating wind technology still faces significant environmental challenges that require urgent solutions. The construction and installation of floating wind farms contribute to a considerable carbon footprint. For example, floating concrete structures require cement, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. This raises questions about the true sustainability of this technology and highlights the need for innovative, low-carbon solutions.

ECOFLOWIN Objectives

ECOFLOWIN aims to reduce the carbon footprint of a floating wind technology developed by the project coordinator, Beridi Maritime S.L. (BERIDI), by over 30%. To achieve this, the project takes an innovative multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering, structural design, materials science, and environmental sciences. BERIDI is collaborating with the Centro Tecnológico de Componentes (CTC), a prestigious Spanish technology center with extensive experience in advanced materials.

By reaching its main objective, ECOFLOWIN will enable BERIDI’s technology to become one of the floating wind platforms with the lowest carbon footprint on the market. This, combined with its numerous other advantages, makes it a highly promising technology for global decarbonization and the fight against climate change.

Key Features of the ECOFLOWIN Technology:

50% reduction in CAPEX and 40% reduction in OPEX

Rapid execution: 1-2 weeks to build the platform vs. 1-2 months for other technologies

Easy construction in all ports, regardless of infrastructure and water depth

High durability and stability for maximum safety and efficiency

30% lower carbon footprint, thanks to the innovative developments in this Project

Approach

Research Methodology: Innovation for Goals

ECOFLOWIN takes a multidisciplinary approach to reducing the carbon footprint of floating wind technology developed by BERIDI.

By combining innovations in engineering, materials science, and environmental science, the project creates sustainable solutions for offshore wind energy.

In collaboration with CTC, which specializes in materials and carbon footprint studies, BERIDI integrates advanced methodologies and structural optimizations to achieve these goals.

Innovation #º1. New Life Cycle Assessment Methodologies for Floating Wind Energy

One of the key innovations in ECOFLOWIN is the development of tailored life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies for floating wind technologies. While LCA studies are well-established for onshore wind farms, floating wind remains an emerging field with limited research on its environmental impact. Existing studies indicate that the most significant environmental impacts stem from materials, manufacturing, and operations, as well as energy transmission systems. By advancing LCA methodologies specifically for floating wind, ECOFLOWIN generates crucial data to support environmentally informed decision-making in the sector.

Innovation #2. Structural Optimization for Reduced Carbon Footprint

The project explores innovative structural design strategies to minimize the use of steel reinforcement and reduce the overall weight of floating wind platforms, without compromising their structural integrity. Conventional concrete floating platforms often face challenges related to structural strength and fatigue, requiring complex reinforcement systems and extensive maintenance. ECOFLOWIN’s approach differs by designing a rigid platform with improved hydrodynamic behavior, eliminating stress concentration points and reducing the need for post-tensioning. The research also explores methods to optimize concrete volume while maintaining or enhancing performance, ultimately reducing both costs and carbon emissions.

Innovation #3. Streamlined Construction Methods for Sustainability

ECOFLOWIN simplifies the construction process of floating platforms, significantly reducing environmental impact. The project develops a construction method that shortens build time to just two or three weeks, minimizing equipment operation time and waste generation. This novel approach enables simultaneous execution of operations that are traditionally performed sequentially, improving efficiency and construction quality. Additionally, the process is designed to be the most environmentally friendly option available, reducing pollutants and material consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional techniques.

Innovation #4. Synthetic Mooring Systems for Offshore Platforms

Another breakthrough in ECOFLOWIN is the use of synthetic mooring systems instead of conventional steel chains. Synthetic mooring lines, made from high-performance polymer fibers, offer numerous advantages, including higher tensile strength, lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and reduced impact on marine ecosystems. Despite their widespread use in the oil and gas industry, synthetic mooring solutions have not been extensively adopted in offshore wind due to the dynamic stresses involved. ECOFLOWIN addresses this challenge by developing an innovative anchoring system that optimizes load transmission, eliminates the need for pre- and post-tensioning, and enhances overall platform stability, reducing costs and execution times.

Innovation #5. Development of Lightweight, Low-Carbon Concrete Materials

The project focuses on creating advanced mortar and concrete formulations with high strength, low density, and reduced carbon footprint. The research integrates nanomaterials, industrial and agricultural waste, and alkali-activated materials to enhance durability in marine environments while maintaining structural performance. Current market solutions rely heavily on high-cement content for durability, resulting in significant carbon emissions. ECOFLOWIN’s innovative materials strategy incorporates recycled aggregates, industrial by-products, and bio-based reinforcements to develop a more sustainable alternative. These novel materials are compatible with slip-form construction techniques, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production of floating wind platforms.

Through these innovations, ECOFLOWIN redefines the floating wind sector, driving sustainability while optimizing performance and cost-efficiency. The project’s advancements in LCA methodologies, structural design, construction processes, mooring systems, and materials development contribute to a more environmentally responsible future for offshore renewable energy.

Roadmap

Strategic Roadmap for the Research Project

ECOFLOWIN is a three-year project structured into seven interconnected work packages (WP). Each WP contributes to the project's ultimate goal: reducing the carbon footprint of floating wind technology by 30%. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted in WP3 plays a crucial role in evaluating and quantifying the environmental impact of the proposed innovations.

Development of Low-Carbon, Cost-Effective Concrete

Development of advanced concrete formulations for marine use, enhancing sustainability, weight, strength, and durability through innovative materials and mixes.

WP1 & 2

Project Management & Exploitation

Effective project coordination, knowledge transfer, and commercialization of ECOFLOWIN’s innovative floating wind technology.

WP3

Life Cycle Assessment of the Floating Platform

Evaluation of the environmental impact of the floating platform by applying tailored LCA methods to measure carbon footprint reductions from design and material innovations.

WP4

Structural Optimization to Reduce Reinforcement and Weight

Optimization of structural design to reduce steel use and weight, lowering the platform’s carbon footprint while preserving strength and durability.

Streamlined Construction for Cost and Waste Reduction

Development of an innovative construction method enabling rapid platform assembly, reducing environmental impact through shorter equipment use and minimized material waste.

WP5

WP6

Low-Impact Synthetic Mooring System

Exploration of high-performance synthetic mooring lines to replace steel chains, reducing weight, corrosion, and emissions while ensuring resilience in offshore conditions.

WP7

Partners

Project Participants

The ECOFLOWIN consortium consists of two key partners: Beridi, the leading company in offshore wind technology development, and CTC, a technological center specializing in environmental and materials science. Together, they aim to reduce the carbon footprint of floating platforms by over 30% through multidisciplinary innovations.

Beridi Maritime S.L.

(BERIDI)

Beridi Maritime S.L. is a renowned maritime engineering firm with over 20 years of experience in offshore wind solutions. Focused on reducing renewable energy costs, Beridi has successfully led more than 1,200 international projects. Their expertise in offshore accommodation engineering and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for the ECOFLOWIN project.

Fundación Centro Tecnológico de Componentes (CTC)

CTC is a non-profit technological center founded in 2000, dedicated to advancing industrial competitiveness through research, development, and innovation. With a focus on Industry & Energy, Advanced Materials, and Robotics, CTC is a recognized leader in the field and plays a key role in driving innovation for the ECOFLOWIN project.

Impact & Sustainabilty

Project Expected Impact

Economic Impact

ECOFLOWIN will create job opportunities across various sectors, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and management of floating wind farms. This will benefit local and regional economies, driving growth in the offshore wind industry and its associated sectors. Additionally, the project promotes knowledge transfer between research centers and businesses, fostering innovation and strengthening Spain's competitiveness in the wind energy market.

As the floating wind energy market is projected to grow substantially, reaching $65.37 billion by 2032, ECOFLOWIN is poised to play a pivotal role in this expanding sector. This growth will bring new business opportunities both locally and internationally.

Environmental Impact

ECOFLOWIN supports Spain’s transition to a sustainable economy by developing low-carbon footprint floating wind technology. Using eco-sustainable concrete and incorporating industrial waste into construction, the project reduces the carbon footprint of floating wind farms by up to 30% compared to current technologies. This innovative approach not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances the lifespan of the installations by using materials with high corrosion resistance and low chloride permeability.

ECOFLOWIN aligns with international climate goals, advancing renewable energy solutions that combat climate change and help transition to a clean energy matrix.

Social Impact

The project also addresses social challenges, particularly energy poverty. By providing clean, renewable, and affordable energy, ECOFLOWIN aims to reduce household energy costs, thus improving the quality of life for citizens. The implementation of floating wind farms will also help lower greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and reducing pollution.

ECOFLOWIN targets energy poverty, which affects over 10% of Spain’s population, by providing a stable, secure, and affordable energy supply. This initiative promotes social inclusion, ensuring all communities have access to essential energy while reducing energy vulnerability.

Sustainability

The ECOFLOWIN project contributes to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

No Poverty (SDG 1): By creating local employment opportunities and providing access to affordable renewable energy.

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Generating clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Creating jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Driving research and development in renewable energy technologies.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Promoting clean energy in local communities.
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Adopting a circular economy by integrating industrial waste into new products designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability.
Climate Action (SDG 13): Contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Fostering collaborations to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable energy future.

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