Brochure - GICON® - SOF

THE GICON® SOF
ECONOMICS
Higher revenues
Operation of offshore wind turbines in higher wind resource areas with water depths from 45 to
350 meter and more, utilizing the GICON®-SOF, generates higher revenues compared to offshore
wind turbines on conventional bottom fixed foundations.
K f
K = K v
+ K f
Fixed costs
k f
Fixed unit costs
Reduced fabrication costs
One standardized substructure design can be utilized for an entire offshore wind park project.
Differences in water depth within a site are compensated by adjusted cable lengths while the
SOF substructure design and dimensions are the same for each turbine installed at the site.
At the same time, the paradigm shift from usual welded steel designs towards more efficient
and innovative technologies based on prestressed ultra-high-performance-concrete and casted
iron members enables significant advantages for cost savings.
Reduced installation costs and installations risks
Substructure fabrication and turbine assembly happen completely at shore, independent from
weather windows. The entire platform including turbine is then towed to the offshore deployment
site. Successfully conducted tank tests with a scale model suggest a towing speed of up
to 5 KN at 2.5 meter swells. Expensive installation vessels or jack-up platforms are therefore not
required. Decommissioning at the end of the operational lifecycle is also less costly and less
complicated. Flexibility regarding the use of different anchor types also results in less demands
on suitable subsoil.
Reduction of maintenance costs
If required, the entire substructure, including tower and turbine, can be replaced. Major maintenance
work can be handled at shore.
LCOE in Euro (€) cent of 5 to 8 € cent/kWh
An independent consulting group determined a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 5 to 8 €
cent/kWh for a scenario where the GICON®-SOF is utilized in a wind park consisting of 80 6MW
turbines, in 80 meter water depth and at 50 km distance from shore. Deployment in deeper
water and additional optimization potential is likely to further reduce this LCOE assessment.
K v
K
Fixed costs are independent of the employment/utilization.
E.g. Rent, Interest, etc.
Variable costs
Variable costs are independent of utilization.
E.g. Material and manufacturing wages
Total cost
m
m
K v
K f
m
k v
k
Variable unit costs
Total cost per unit
m
m
k f
k v
m
k =
K v
+ K f
m m
Law of Mass
Production
k = k v
+ k f
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