This model, patented by Esteyco, has a generation capacity of six megawatts and is being built on a barge docked at Muelle León y Castillo. Its commissioning will solidify Gran Canaria's position as a benchmark in the development of offshore wind energy.
“"The Port of Las Palmas has the capacity to build these wind turbines in series and undertake a project of 250 to 300 megawatts."
The structure will be installed in the Plocan testing area, three kilometers from the current wind turbine, in an area with a depth of 100 meters. This ability to install in deep-water areas is one of the key advantages of the model, making it ideal for future offshore wind farms in the islands.
The floating technology aims to combine the advantages of various existing solutions, using a structure that functions as a semi-submersible barge for transport and installation. This approach reduces the amount of material needed, the carbon footprint, and the space requirements on port land, allowing its manufacture in shallow-draft ports.
Construction is divided into two phases: the fabrication of concrete tanks at Muelle León y Castillo and the assembly of the steel tripod tower and turbine at Zamakona, one of the shipyards in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The total investment for this project amounts to 25.6 million euros, 65% funded by European funds from the Horizon Europe program, with the remainder covered by Plocan and an industrial consortium. Authorities have reiterated the need for the Spanish Government to unblock the tender for offshore wind in the Canary Islands, a step expected by the end of the year.
