Two Spanish companies, Saitec Offshore Technologies and Univergy , based in Leioa (Bizkaia) and Madrid-Albacete respectively, have signed an agreement to create a Special Purpose Company ( SPA ). The main objective of this collaboration is to carry out floating wind turbine projects in Japan, using a pioneering technology known as SATH.
The SATH ( Swinging Around Twin Hull ) technology , developed by Saitec, is a floating platform made of prestressed concrete . This structure consists of two horizontal cylindrical hulls with conical ends, connected by several truss structures. This configuration makes the platform particularly suitable for harnessing energy in deep-water areas, where conventional offshore wind energy solutions are often impractical.
Meet the companies behind the project
Univergy International is a Spanish-Japanese company focused on the development of renewable energy projects . With over 20 years of experience, it has built a portfolio of projects under development exceeding 3,1 GW, positioning it as one of the most important companies in the sector.
Saitec TecnologÃas Offshore , for its part, is a spin-off company created in 2016 by Saitec. It specializes in solutions for deep-water offshore wind energy. Saitec has based its growth on SATH technology , making it a leader in the floating platform sector.
What does each company contribute to the project?
The merger of these two companies has strong strategic value. Univergy has a well-established presence in Japan, where it has developed over 800 MW of offshore wind power in the last five years. Its expertise in the development and management of offshore plants plays a key role in this agreement, providing 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, along with equipment selection and technical project management, ensures that the platforms meet the requirements of the Japanese marine environment.
Univergy's president, Ignacio Blanco, highlighted the strategic value of this agreement, emphasizing that the combination of the two companies' expertise and SATH's floating technology has enormous potential. Alberto Galdós Tobalina , president of Saitec, also underscored the opportunities this project presents for strengthening their international presence and consolidating both firms' positions in the renewable energy industry.
Technical details of SATH technology
SATH (an acronym for Swinging Around Twin Hull ) is a technology distinguished by its floating platform made of prestressed concrete . The structure includes two horizontal cylindrical hulls that terminate in conical ends, connected by a rigid structure. These hulls are reinforced to ensure their resistance to harsh marine weather conditions.
Among the most innovative features of this system are the submerged plates that increase the platform's stability by reducing pitching and rolling. In addition, the platform uses a mooring system known as Single Point Mooring , which allows it to rotate on its axis to remain aligned with the wind direction, thus optimizing energy production.
One of the key advantages of SATH technology is that both the platform and the wind turbine 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 minimizes 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 and Univergy 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 fossil fuels since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
In its efforts to reduce its energy dependence on imports and achieve its climate goals, Japan 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 a crucial 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.