Floating Wind Testbed integrated with Energy System Observatory (FLOWT-EOB)

Project Description

In Ireland floating offshore wind can make the largest contribution to decarbonising our energy system, but it is still a developing sector. Many aspects related to the reliability, operability and survivability of multiple deployed platforms are not understood. The concept of FLOWT-EOB is to provide an infrastructure that would be unique worldwide for addressing knowledge gaps and optimising energy utilisation. The primary component of FLOWT-EOB will be a 200KW floating wind platform, deployed in Cork Harbour that will enable multidisciplinary research as well as having the capacity for developing methodologies and training for accessing and working on floating platforms. Key enabling, complementary technologies such as an electrolyser for producing hydrogen, solar panels and battery storage will form the balance of the test bed in collaboration with real-time digital simulation, digital twins and an integrated energy system observatory to provide a holistic, system level view in future energy system scenarios.