Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Steel Launch Joint Research on Floating Offshore Wind Power

On March 15, Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced that it had signed an agreement with Hyundai Steel, focusing on joint research to develop an independent floating offshore wind model and obtain Approval in Principle (AIP) certification.

Floating offshore wind power involves installing power generation facilities on floating structures on the sea. This technology is highly regarded as it can be applied in deep-sea areas with depths of over 50 meters, significantly reducing the site restrictions of offshore wind power. Additionally, it enables the utilization of sea areas with superior wind speed, volume, and direction compared to fixed offshore wind, making it a next-generation energy infrastructure with high development potential. According to a recent report by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a Norwegian classification society, the floating offshore wind sector, currently at the demonstration stage, is projected to reach 14 GW by 2030 and 250 GW by 2050. This would account for approximately 20% of global offshore wind power generation, with the market value expected to exceed 1 trillion dollars.

Jaeyoung Kim, Head of Technology Research Institute at Hyundai Engineering & Construction (third from left), and Yudong Jeong, Head of Research and Development at Hyundai Steel, among others, are taking a commemorative photo after the business agreement ceremony held on the 13th at Hyundai Steel Dangjin Steelworks. Provided by Hyundai Engineering & Construction

Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Steel have agreed to develop a hybrid floating structure that combines specialized steel and concrete. Hyundai Engineering & Construction will be responsible for designing the hybrid floater and developing modular fabrication and rapid construction technologies, while Hyundai Steel will develop specialized steel for offshore wind and conduct performance verification. The two companies have jointly filed for the first domestic patent related to the modular hybrid floating structure technology they have developed together.

The floater being developed by the two companies aims to reduce manufacturing costs by 20% compared to existing steel floaters. The modular fabrication method will also improve production efficiency. The companies expect that the new design will ensure both stability and durability.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction intends to strengthen its competitiveness in securing domestic and international offshore wind power projects by enhancing its floater design capabilities. The company is also pursuing AIP approval from international classification agencies. AIP (Approval in Principle) is a system that recognizes technologies without prior track records when used or proven in new environments, or acknowledges the application of proven technologies in new settings.

A Hyundai Engineering & Construction representative stated, "Floater design technology is a core capability that determines project execution capacity in the floating offshore wind sector. We aim to secure proprietary technology and further strengthen our capabilities in global offshore wind Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.