US approves game-changer tech that cuts wind turbine installation cost by 50%

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has awarded ‘approval in principle’ to US-based wind energy startup CLS Wind’s innovative installation system.

According to CLS Wind the new installation system can cut prices by half for onshore, offshore and floating wind turbines while allowing larger wind turbines to be installed.

According to ABS, the design reviews were based on class and statutory requirements.

The patented elevator style assembly system promises easier, safer and faster wind turbine and nacelle installation and maintenance, without the use of large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels.

ABS awards AIP to CLS Wind’s new installation system

The patented elevator style assembly system promises easier, safer and faster wind turbine and nacelle installation and maintenance, without the use of large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels.

“This is an exciting milestone for CLS Wind and domestic renewable energy production. ABS is committed to supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, helping our partners and clients throughout the full life cycle of their projects,” said Rob Langford, ABS vice president, Global Offshore Renewables.

Kent A. Johnson, CEO of CLS Wind, also welcomed the approval in principle from ABS for the “game-changing technology .”

“As an American company working on a unique solution to solve some of the pressing issues that are affecting the offshore wind market, we appreciate ABS’ support for the AIP process and visit to our industrial demo unit,” Johnson said.

“In the renewable energy market, it is important that we work together to find solutions that lower the cost and increase installation efficiencies to support offshore wind energy production, and we are delighted to be working with ABS in these technologies.”

According to CLS Wind, the new technology allows installing turbine and nacelle without heavy-lift barges or vessels. Moreover, maintenance and major upgrades can also be performed quicker and cheaper.

Wind energy in US

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) has recently announced the Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development Funding Opportunity, which will award $48.6 million for projects that address several major areas of need for offshore wind.

The areas include accelerating research and development of floating offshore wind platforms; exploring innovations for fixed-bottom foundations; improving offshore wildlife protection through new monitoring technologies.

Other areas include expanding the reach of the domestic supply chain; advancing U.S. academic leadership in floating offshore wind; and investigating solutions to protect future infrastructure from lightning.

The US has more than tripled its wind capacity in recent years from 47GW in 2010 to 147.5GW by the end of 2023, with electricity from wind growing as a result. However, the utilization rate of wind turbines fell to an eight-year low of 33.5% in 2023, according to a report by Global Data.