Pohjolan Voima assesses durability of offshore wind power plant foundations in ice conditions

Pohjolan Voima is launching a project for developing offshore foundation technology for wind power The project will prepare for the construction of the large-scale offshore wind farms planned. The aim is to develop an industrial-scale foundation solution for offshore wind farms able to withstand ice conditions. The project will study the foundations’ structure, durability and construction method by building a test foundation at Ajos in Kemi. The development project will involve a team of Finnish companies with expertise in wind power construction and research experts.

The estimated cost of the project is EUR 2.5 million. EUR 0.8 million in investment subsidies has been granted by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. Construction of the test foundation is due to start in spring 2009. The project is estimated to be completed in 2010

Finland does not yet have foundation technology for offshore wind power plants that is suitable for serial production. A test foundation will be built offshore in the vicinity of the current wind farm at Ajos in Kemi in the project. Durability of the foundation will be studied through measurements conducted in winter conditions.

The foundation is designed for a 3-MW power plant. A tower and a weight equivalent to the mass of the machine room will be erected on the foundation. Sensors will be attached to the foundation and the tower to monitor the loads and stresses to the foundations during one winter at least. If the foundation technology works as planned, the weight will be replaced by a real machine room and rotor, and the pilot power plant will be connected to the grid.

Pohjolan Voima’s subsidiary PVO-Innopower Oy, which focuses on wind power, is responsible for the offshore foundation project. Involved as partial financers and implementers are Levator Oy, Lujari Oy, Pekkaniska Oy, Ponvia Oy, Terramare Oy, Winwind Oy and the University of Oulu. The project is also being financed by Rajakiiri Oy, Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy and Suomen Merituuli Oy.