Ocean engineers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have overhauled the design of floating wind turbines, developing a prototype scale model that promises to reduce build and installation costs by 40 per cent compared to existing structures.
Led by Associate Professor Wenhua Zhao from UQ’s School of Civil Engineering, the research team applied first principles of offshore hydrodynamics and simple geometry to simplify complex substructures and anchoring mechanisms, the primary cost hurdle hindering the widespread adoption of deep-water wind energy.
While floating wind turbines can harness stronger, more consistent winds in deep ocean regions beyond the 50-to-60-metre depth limit of conventional fixed-bottom turbines, high engineering expenses have severely constrained commercial deployment.
Currently, floating systems cost approximately twice as much as turbines fixed in shallow waters and nearly four times more than land-based units.
“The issue is not about whether floating turbines work, or whether they offer benefits for shipbuilders, resources companies, or aquaculture,” Dr Zhao said.
“The issue is the price. Floating turbines are currently about twice as expensive as turbines fixed in shallow waters, and almost four times the cost of land-based turbines.”
To overcome this financial barrier, the UQ design utilises conventional marine construction materials in a cost-conscious layout.
Internal stabilisation features lower the structure’s centre of gravity, keeping the wind tower upright even during severe ocean conditions to improve power generation efficiency while extending lifespan and lowering maintenance demands.
Extensive wave basin testing at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China validated that a scaled, full-sized unit, designed to support a 3.6-megawatt turbine with an 87-metre tower in 200 metres of water, can successfully withstand a 1-in-100-year storm.
The breakthrough technology is projected to be ready for commercial implementation within two years. Zhao is now working with commercial partners to explore downscaled applications for local marine sectors.
“We see tremendous potential for this technology to be adopted across Australian offshore industries,” Zhao said.
“It could provide clean, reliable power for offshore operations, the decommissioning of ageing offshore platforms, emerging offshore aquaculture, and future deep-sea data centres.”