Innovative Windcatcher Technology: Norway's New Approach to Offshore Wind Energy

Norway is set to enhance its offshore wind energy capacity with groundbreaking projects like the Windcatcher, a modular system designed to generate power using multiple smaller rotors rather than a few large ones.

The Windcatcher, developed by the Norwegian firm Wind Catching Systems, is characterized by a framework that supports numerous wind turbines. This structure is positioned on a floating platform anchored to the seabed.

One of the key features of the Windcatcher is its modular design, allowing for flexibility in size. Each wind turbine is standardized, boasting a capacity of one megawatt. The demonstration model will consist of 40 turbines, collectively capable of producing 99 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. The largest installations are projected to reach approximately 320 meters in height, equipped with 126 turbines, and are expected to generate around five times the energy of a conventional 15-megawatt wind turbine.

The assembly of a Windcatcher involves manageable components that can be mounted on the floating platform, which eliminates the need for specialized vessels and cranes typically required for traditional wind turbine installations. The uniformity of the turbines facilitates cost-effective mass production.

Oskar Gärdeann from the Norwegian funding agency Enova highlights that this innovative concept presents a novel approach to floating offshore wind installations. He notes that the use of multiple smaller rotors could simplify maintenance and reduce costs, while also improving space efficiency compared to conventional offshore wind technologies.

The inaugural Windcatcher project is set to be constructed northwest of Bergen, near the Øygarden municipality, with completion anticipated by 2029. The Norwegian government is backing this initiative with 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner, roughly equivalent to 102 million euros. By 2040, the government aims to allocate areas for generating 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy.