Portugal inaugurates offshore wind farm

Portuguese electricity utility EDP inaugurated its first high-sea floating wind power generator off the north Portuguese coast over the weekend.

The patented tower, called ‘Windfloat’, a “simple structure that dampens the movement of the waves and wind”, was installed at the end of last year.

Windfloat is a semi-submersible contraction like an oil platform with three legs, one of which supports the wind turbine.

EDP expects to open the first mini off-shore wind farm with five wind turbines in 2014 before selling the concept to other parties.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Anibal Cavaco Silva, the Sea Minister Assunção Cristas and EDP Chairman António Mexia.

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