Equinor, SINTEF collaborate on offshore wind, subsea components

Offshore staff

TRONDHEIM, Norway – Norwegian research institute SINTEF and Equinor have agreed to collaborate in studies on offshore wind, marine systems, energy systems and modeling.

The purpose of the strategic agreement is to facilitate an exchange and development of ideas and new solutions that will aid Equinor’s transition to a broader energy company.

They have been collaborating in offshore wind since the first test of Equinor’s floating Hywind technology at SINTEF's Ocean Basin laboratory in 2005.

Goals include development of technology that will make future projects cheaper, more efficient and more predictable. One special area of focus will be anchoring systems for the turbines, maintenance, control systems, and grid connection.

In addition to improving the Hywind concept, they will examine other concepts for floating wind.

“Norway is an energy and maritime nation and could become one of the biggest players within sustainable energy from the ocean,” said Alexandra Bech Gjørv, president and CEO of SINTEF.

In the field of marine systems, the partnership will assess the challenges associated with marine structures, anchoring, risers and underwater pipelines, underwater technology, underwater robotics, safety and the environment.

Energy systems covers the development of renewable energy, including storage methods.

The agreement runs for four years.

12/03/2020