Flex2Future advances floating wave, wind and solar platform toward pre-2030 demo

Flex2Future has finished a comprehensive series of model tests in Norway for a multi-source floating energy platform. According to Offshore Energy, the trials involved a small-scale replica of a system that integrates wind turbines, solar panels, and wave energy converters into a single structure. The testing was conducted at SINTEF Ocean laboratories in Trondheim to evaluate how the platform responds to simulated marine environments.

The research campaign utilized both a towing tank and an ocean basin to observe how the module handles simultaneous wind, currents, and waves. By using a 1:25 scale model, the team verified the platform’s stability and power generation potential against their existing numerical predictions. The company stated that these results provide a "solid foundation for continued development" as they transition toward constructing a full-sized version of the technology.

Engineers used hybrid testing methods, combining physical hardware with real-time digital simulations to replicate realistic offshore loads. These sensors and cameras monitored mooring stress and structural movements to ensure the design can survive harsh sea conditions. The project aims to improve the consistency of renewable power generation while lowering the overall costs associated with producing electricity in deep-water environments.

The developer plans to deploy a pilot unit off the coast of Eigerøy and intends to launch a full-scale demonstration by the end of this decade. Projections suggest that a single 136-meter module could reach an average output of approximately 8 MW. This initiative seeks to address the technical hurdles of maintaining efficient power production while enduring the dynamic physical forces present in the open ocean.