Floating wind technology developer X1 Wind secured the Innovation Award at the prestigious Premios Eolo 2023, led by the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE).
AEE has more than 300 member companies representing more than 90% of the market. The Premios Eolo Awards established in 2008 recognizes contributions to promote and share the benefits that wind energy generates in society.
Its Innovation Award forms a central part of AEE and REOLTEC’s (Wind Energy Sector Technology Platform) action line, supporting innovation and development that drives international competition, market globalization, and cost optimization.
The recent ceremony was held at the Congreso Eólico Español in Madrid and attended by industry leaders, dignitaries, and politicians including Teresa Ribera, the third vice-president of Spain and minister for ecological transition and demographic challenge.
X1 Wind secured the accolade for its role leading the PivotBuoy Project, whose floating platform (X30) became the world’s first fully functional TLP (Tension-Leg Platform) floating wind platform and Spain’s first floating wind prototype to export electricity via a subsea cable.
The project focused on demonstrating the PivotBuoy mooring system configuration that combined the advantages of a SPM (single point mooring) with a small TLP mooring system. This allows the platform to reach deeper waters minimizing the footprint and impact on the seabed. Additional features of the platform include the lightweight and stable floater, which can be wet-towed by local vessels, simplifying and accelerating the installation process.
Maria Verges, X1 Wind systems engineering manager, who received the award, said the project not only validated a new structural and mooring configuration but also demonstrated its potential to significantly reduce costs within the floating wind industry.
“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from AEE and REOLTEC on behalf of the entire X1 Wind team and the PivotBuoy Consortium, together with our extensive supply chain,” she said. “Thanks to the X1 Wind team for their commitment and dedication, which allowed the project to become a reality. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the European Commission and Spanish government for their support. Together, we have delivered a landmark project for Spain’s floating wind sector, raising the bar and demonstrating the best of Spanish innovation and engineering capabilities. The data collected during the X30 prototype’s operation, including self-alignment, stability, and production, yielded excellent results. These findings have provided crucial insights and are now being incorporated into our ongoing commercial-scale projects.”
