Description du projet
Souffler à tous vents: l’éolien offshore fiable prend une bouffée d’air frais
L’énergie éolienne peut apporter une contribution significative aux besoins en électricité de l’Europe ainsi qu’à ses objectifs ambitieux de réduction des émissions de CO2. Les vents du large sont souvent des sources plus fiables de rafales plus fortes que les vents de la côte. Cependant, le coût de l’énergie éolienne en mer est plus élevé en raison des conditions et des exigences de construction et de maintenance plus difficiles des installations offshore. Le projet XROTOR, financé par l’UE, propose un tout nouveau concept de conception d’éolienne appelé X-Rotor qui pourrait réduire considérablement les coûts d’investissement et d’exploitation, améliorant ainsi l’attractivité des investissements. Une combinaison de modélisations d’impact technique, économique, environnemental et socio-économique assurera la réussite globale du concept.
Objectif
As the effects of climate change are becoming ever more visible, Europe has raised its target for the amount of energy it
consumes from renewable sources from the previous goal of 27% to 32% by 2030. Offshore wind energy can play a key role
in achieving the EU target and contribute to the required 40% reduction in CO2 emissions. However, to achieve the
previously mentioned targets the cost of offshore wind must be reduced. This proposal provides a direct route to creating a
step change in the cost of energy from offshore wind through the development of a disruptive new offshore wind turbine
concept known as the “X-Rotor”. The X-Rotor has potential to reduce the cost of energy (CapEx and OpEx) from offshore
wind by up to 20%, based on a conservative estimate from early feasibility study work.
To quantify and validate the CapEx and OpEx savings, the project team holds a significant successful track record in
computational modelling in the areas of aerodynamic, structural, control, electrical and cost modelling within the wind energy
sector. Additionally, environmental and socio-economic impact analysis will be carried out to determine the advantages and
disadvantages of the X-Rotor in those areas. GE, a globally leading leader in wind turbine development and manufacturing
will ratify all proof of concept work completed in this project to ensure it is to a standard that can be used in future
commercialisation. Through the completion of the proposed work by our consortium of leading EU research and industry
partners, this proposal will determine the technological, economic, environmental, and social feasibility of the X-Rotor
concept. If the concept proves feasible, it will, as a disruptive new offshore wind turbine concept, create new opportunities for
the European wind energy industry and play an important role maintaining the EU’s position as global technological leader in renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising the EU economy.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinateur
G1 1XQ Glasgow
Royaume-Uni