Deep Water Power Installation Floating Off Norway's Coast

Hywind, a floating wind turbine prototype has been installed in 720 feet of water about 7 miles southeast of Karmøy, Norway. The turbine will be tested over the next two years by StatoilHydro of Norway and Siemens of Germany.

The floating technology allows turbines to be placed in deep water because they can be anchored with three wires and need not be attached to the seabed with a foundation. They can also be placed out of the view of coastline residents who often object to foundation-mounted models. The seabed is also left relatively undisturbed which is better for marine life.