Unitech Zefyros by Hywind Technology

Unitech Zefyros by Hywind Technology Wind Farm Profile

Overview

• The Unitech Zefyros by Hywind Technology, formerly known as Hywind Demo, is the world's first floating wind turbine. It was initially developed and operated by Equinor (previously Statoil) and was taken over by UNITECH Offshore in 2019.

Location

• The turbine is located approximately 10 km off the western coast of Norway, west of Karmøy, near Haugesund.

History and Operation

• The Hywind Demo turbine was set into operation in 2009 by Equinor. It has been generating power since then and has played a crucial role in the development of floating offshore wind technology.
• In 2019, UNITECH Offshore acquired the turbine from Equinor and renamed it UNITECH Zefyros by Hywind Technology. Under UNITECH, the turbine continues to operate and is used as an infrastructure for research, technology development, teaching, and training.

Performance and Uptime

• The turbine has maintained an impressive average uptime of 99% during 2022, highlighting its reliability and efficiency.

Research and Development

• The turbine is now part of the Marin Energy Test Centre (METCentre) at Karmøy, where it serves as a hub for connecting new wind turbines, developing, testing, and qualifying new technologies, and facilitating teaching and training programs.
• UNITECH’s Technology Center at Rubbestadneset acts as an operating center and data center, supporting the activities around the turbine and providing a platform for youth, college students, and experts to share knowledge and solve challenges.

Innovations and Features

• The turbine is notable for being the first floating wind turbine to be mounted with a helicopter deck, a feature added by UNITECH.
• It supplies electricity equivalent to the needs of 400 households each year and is expected to continue this service for at least ten more years.

Ownership and Partnerships

• The current owner is UNITECH Offshore A/S. The original developers included Equinor ASA (previously Statoil ASA) and Siemens Wind Power A/S, with Technip S.A. involved in the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) balance of plant.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• The turbine is supported by UNITECH’s facilities, including the Thunder Bay marshalling port and assembly site at Tømmerviken, Stord, Norway, and the Super Cable production facility at Eldøyane, Stord, Norway. These facilities are crucial for the assembly, testing, and deployment of offshore wind turbines.

Future Developments

• The METCentre, where the turbine is located, has been granted new test concessions for floating offshore wind and will see the installation of five new wind turbines by 2026. This expansion aims to further develop floating wind technology and reduce costs in the industry.

The Unitech Zefyros by Hywind Technology wind farm is a pioneering project in the field of floating offshore wind energy, serving both as a power generator and a research and development hub.