Two Spanish companies Saitec Offshore Technologies y Univergy, based in Leioa (Bizkaia) and Madrid-Albacete respectively, have signed an agreement for the creation of a Special Purpose Company o SPA (Special Purpose Company). The main objective of this collaboration is to carry out projects of floating wind in Japan, using a pioneering technology known as SATH.
Technology SATH (Swinging Around Twin Hull), developed by Saitec, is a floating platform made of prestressed concrete. This structure consists of two horizontal cylindrical hulls with tapered ends, connected by several bar structures. This configuration makes the platform particularly suitable for exploiting deepwater areas, where conventional offshore wind energy solutions are often unfeasible.
Meet the companies behind the project
Univergy International It is a Spanish-Japanese company focused on the development of renewable energy projectsWith more than 20 years of experience, it has consolidated a portfolio of projects under development exceeding 3,1 GW, which positions it as one of the most relevant companies in the sector.
For its part, Saitec Offshore Technologies is a spin off created in 2016 by the company Saitec. It is specialized in solutions for deepwater offshore wind energy. Saitec has based its growth on technology SATH, making it a leader in the floating platform sector.
What does each company contribute to the project?
The merger of forces between these two companies has strong strategic value. Univergy It has a consolidated presence in Japan, where it has developed more than 800 MW of offshore wind power over the past five years. Its know-how in plant development and management offshore plays a key role in this agreement, as it brings the necessary experience for the success of projects in the Japanese market.
Saitec Offshore, on the other hand, is responsible for providing the technical support and engineering necessary to implement SATH technology. Its role in the design of the floating platforms, together with the selection of equipment and technical management of the project, ensures that the platforms meet the demands of the Japanese marine environment.
Univergy President Ignacio Blanco has highlighted the strategic value of this agreement, stressing that the combination of experience between the two companies and SATH floating technology has enormous potential. Alberto Galdos Tobalina, President of Saitec, also highlighted the opportunities that this project represents for strengthening its international presence and consolidating the position of both firms in the renewable energy industry.
Technical details of SATH technology
SATH (acronym for Swinging Around Twin Hull) is a technology that stands out for its prestressed concrete floating platform. The structure includes two horizontal cylindrical floats ending in conical ends, connected through a rigid structure. These floats are reinforced to ensure their resistance to the hostile conditions of the marine climate.
Among the most innovative features of this system, the following stand out: submerged plates which increase the stability of the platform by reducing pitching and rolling. In addition, the platform uses a mooring system known as Single Point Mooring, allowing it to rotate on its axis to remain aligned with the direction of the wind, thus optimizing energy production.
One of the key advantages of SATH technology is that both the platform and the wind turbine They can be assembled in port. This significantly simplifies offshore operations, as once construction is complete, the platform is towed to its final location at sea. This not only reduces operating costs, but also minimises the risks associated with offshore installations.
Thanks to these characteristics, SATH technology becomes an ideal solution for expanding floating wind energy in countries such as Japan, where most of the waters are deep, making the use of conventional technologies unfeasible.
Impact and long-term projections
The agreement between Saitec Offshore y Univergy This project marks a turning point in the cooperation between renewable energy companies in Spain and Japan, strengthening their position in the global market. This project not only represents an opportunity for both companies, but also promotes the adoption of clean energy in Japan, a country highly dependent on renewable energy. Fossil fuels since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
Japan, in its effort to reduce its energy dependence on imports and achieve its climate goals, has begun to look to offshore wind as a strategic solution. It is estimated that Japan will be able to meet 35% of its electricity needs with renewable sources by 2030. SATH technology will play an essential role in this process, as it offers solutions for a marine environment that presents unique challenges.
In the long term, the alliance between Saitec and Univergy has the potential to position itself at the forefront of floating marine technology not only in Japan, but also globally, driving the construction of large floating wind farms.
The work being carried out in Japan is part of a series of projects that could be expanded to cover other deepwater regions of the world in the future, paving the way for mass adoption of renewable energy on a large scale.
With the growing global demand for sustainable solutions for energy production, the Saitec and Univergy project is a clear example of how two companies with complementary experiences can join forces to face one of the great challenges of the 21st century: the transition to an energy model based on clean and renewable energy.