Obayashi Corporation Receives World's First Approval in Principle (AiP) for TLP Hybrid Floating Offshore Wind Facility

In the NEDO commissioned project "Demonstration Research on Next-Generation Floating Offshore Wind Power Systems," Obayashi Corporation has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for a floating offshore wind power facility using a TLP (Tension Leg Platform) type hybrid floating wind turbine support structure made of steel and concrete. This is the world's first instance of ClassNK issuing an AiP for a TLP hybrid floating offshore wind power facility.

Obayashi has been researching and developing TLP-type floating offshore wind turbine platforms since 2012, conducting various validations on structural safety and motion characteristics. Under this project, the company validated the validity of steel-concrete joint parts, leading to this approval.

The facility features the following three points:

1) Floating foundation expected to reduce costs: The hybrid structure allows separate fabrication and on-site assembly, with a projected 25% reduction in construction costs compared to other floating types. 2) Stable power generation performance: TLP-type mooring suppresses motion of the floater, resulting in approximately 8% higher power generation efficiency compared to other types. 3) Suppression of impact on fishing activities: The smaller footprint of mooring lines minimizes the occupied sea area, making it easier to limit impact on fishing operations.

Obayashi plans to further advance R&D toward practical implementation.