TouchWind Tests Floating Wind Turbine Prototypes in the Netherlands
Westvoorne, Thursday, 15 May 2025.
Dutch start-up TouchWind is assembling 10 floating wind turbine prototypes to explore positive wake effects, poised for installation at Fieldlab Green Economy, highlighting innovation in renewable energy.
Innovative Design and Testing Phase
Dutch rotor blade designer We4Ce has designed 10 blade sets for TouchWind’s ambitious test campaign [1]. The project’s first water-based prototype is scheduled for installation this October at the Oostvoornse Lake, specifically at the Fieldlab Green Economy Westvoorne testing facility [1]. This deployment represents a significant step in validating TouchWind’s unique one-piece rotor design, aimed at optimizing wake effects in floating wind installations [1].
Environmental Innovation in Anchoring
In a notable partnership, TouchWind has collaborated with Coastruction to develop an environmentally conscious anchoring system [2]. Unlike traditional wind turbines that require massive monopile foundations drilled into the seabed, TouchWind’s floating turbines utilize innovative eco-anchors [2]. These specially designed anchors not only secure the turbines but also promote marine biodiversity by adapting to local seabed conditions and supporting marine life [3].
Sustainable Infrastructure Development
The project has gained recognition from regional authorities, with the Provincie Zuid-Holland acknowledging its innovative approach through a video prize [4]. This initiative aligns with the growing focus on sustainable offshore energy solutions, as the wind energy sector continues to address installation challenges while minimizing environmental impact [5]. The collaboration between TouchWind and Coastruction demonstrates how floating wind technology can evolve beyond pure energy generation to incorporate ecosystem benefits [3][4].