Universal Foundation Wraps Up Suction Bucket Tests

R&D

Universal Foundation has completed the industrialized suction bucket installation tests offshore Denmark.

Universal Foundation
Universal Foundation Wraps Up Suction Bucket Tests
Source: Universal Foundation

The offshore campaign was completed on 1 June and the industrialized suction bucket foundation is now back on land, Universal Foundation reported.

According to the company, 13 installations and retrievals were carried out despite weather delays and a learning curve.

The next step is expected to include single-installation suction buckets delivering 25 years of operation before decommissioning.

To remind, the Danish Energy Ministry allocated EUR 3.8 million to the consortium comprising Universal Foundation, Siemens Gamesa, Aalborg University, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier and Offshoreenergy.dk last year for the project.

The project seeks to lower the cost of foundation construction and installation by 40% to support decreases in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) and to mature the industrialized concept towards full commercial scale.