A file photo of an offshore wind power turbine test site in a southwestern region, in this photo provided by the Korea Offshore Wind Power Co.
SEOUL, April 9 (Korea Bizwire) — SK Engineering & Construction Co., a leading South Korean builder, has launched a drive to develop an independent model for a floating structure, a core component of offshore wind power farms that is drawing attention as an eco-friendly renewable energy source.
The company announced on Thursday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with POSCO, the country’s largest steelmaker, to promote technological cooperation.
Under terms of the MOU, the two parties will jointly perform the entire process of basic design, water tank testing, prototyping and demonstration for the development of a competitive floating structure.
POSCO will be responsible for improving the economic value of the floating structure by applying high-performance steel.
SK E&C will be in charge of securing core technologies for the development of an independent floating structure model optimized for the domestic marine environment.
Floating-type offshore wind power generation refers to the method of producing electricity by floating wind turbines in deep water without building a foundation on the sea bottom.
Being free from location restrictions, floating wind turbines can preserve the environment as well as the natural landscape. Compared to those built on land or close to shore, they can produce high-efficiency electricity by using stronger wind.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
