Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (President: Shinichi Sasayama, hereinafter referred to as "Tokyo Gas") has recently conducted a test (hereinafter referred to as "this test") to verify mass production methods in the manufacturing process of floating foundations for floating offshore wind power. We would like to inform you that we have confirmed the validity of the mass production method.
1. Background of this development
- As part of the Green Innovation Fund Project/Offshore Wind Power Cost Reduction Project *1 subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Tokyo Gas is working with Principle Power Co., Ltd. Using floating foundations based on the WindFloat® technology developed and owned by the company, we carried out development (hereinafter referred to as "this development") *2 to establish a mass production method suitable for continuous manufacturing of floating foundations . I am.
- Up until now, the fabrication of floating foundations in demonstration projects and other projects conducted in Japan has mainly been carried out in one go from manufacturing to final assembly at shipyard docks, but this is an important step in adapting to the increasing size of wind turbines in the future. The lack of shipyard docks is an issue in order to cope with mass production in anticipation of larger-scale wind farms *3 .
2. Advantages of this development
In this development, (1) the floating foundation is designed by dividing it into blocks, (2) each manufacturing company manufactures the block foundations, (3) the blocks are consolidated at an assembly base, and (4) the blocks are assembled in one location. By assembling at the base, we are able to achieve highly versatile mass production without necessarily relying on shipyard docks. Furthermore, by leveraging the supply chain of domestic shipbuilding companies and other companies with high technological capabilities, we are providing a promising option as a manufacturing method for floating foundations, which will be necessary to realize the large-scale commercialization of floating offshore wind power in the future. It can be.
3. Aimed results of this development
In this test, we verified the workability and quality control procedures in each process at the assembly site by creating a full-scale mockup of a semi-sub type floating foundation assuming a 15MW class wind turbine, and verified the validity of the mass production method. I have confirmed.
Going forward, we will utilize the results of this development in demonstrations in actual waters, with the aim of early social implementation.
Tokyo Gas has set a goal of transitioning to "net zero CO2" in its group management vision "Compass2030," and aims to achieve a renewable energy power handling volume of 6 million kW in Japan and overseas by 2030 . Additionally, through this development, we will contribute to maximizing the introduction of offshore wind power generation, which is positioned as one of the priority areas of the government's Green Growth Strategy, by reducing the cost and realizing a decarbonized society.
Outline of the subsidy project
Implementation period
April 2022 to March 2024 (planned)
Development details
- Optimization of floating foundations
Optimized design of floating foundations to accommodate larger wind turbines (15MW class) and Japan's harsh weather and sea conditions
- Mass production of floating foundations
Floating foundations suitable for continuous manufacturing Establishment of design and mass production methods
- Optimization of hybrid mooring system
Optimization design of hybrid mooring cables for floating foundations that combine steel mooring cables and synthetic fiber mooring cables
- Development of low-cost construction technology in Japan
Development of low-cost construction technology that responds to severe weather and sea conditions
