X1 Wind, a floating wind technology developer has been allocated €2.5m through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme. The grant will provide resources to accelerate the detailed design and certification process of its first commercial large-scale floating wind units.The company is currently preparing to deploy its PivotBuoy technology at 1:3 scale in the Canary Islands after successfully completing the assembly and load-out. The fully functional (X30) prototype is equipped with a Vestas V29 turbine and will be stationed at a 50m water depth at the PLOCAN test site with full exposure to open ocean conditions. The system is connected to a single point mooring system in a downwind configuration – creating a ‘weathervaning’ solution which maximises use of passive systems.
