FLOWIN PRIZE

At Empire Energy, we are at the forefront of advancing renewable energy through cutting-edge offshore wind technology. As part of our commitment to driving innovation, we are proud to partner with Esteyco and their groundbreaking WHEEL technology, a winner in the second phase of the U.S. Department of Energy's Floating Offshore Wind Readiness (FLOWIN) Prize. This collaboration highlights our leadership in accelerating the market readiness of floating offshore wind solutions, paving the way for clean, sustainable energy in deeper waters. Together, we are shaping the future of offshore wind energy in the United States.

Empowering the Future of Offshore Wind

Empire Energy Offshore partnering with Esteyco's WHEEL Technology

At Empire Energy Offshore, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the offshore wind sector through our partnership with Esteyco's WHEEL technology, a key player in the future of floating wind energy. Recently named a winner of the second phase of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Floating Offshore Wind Readiness (FLOWIN) Prize, the WHEEL technology is poised to revolutionize offshore wind development in U.S. waters.

Jose Serna, Chief Technology Officer at Esteyco, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough:

"We are very pleased and committed to keep working hard so the Esteyco’s WHEEL floating wind platform can decisively contribute to making industrialized US-built floaters a closer reality."

In the second phase of the FLOWIN Prize, Esteyco focused on adapting the WHEEL platform for serial production, laying out a detailed plan for mass production, assembly, and deployment in U.S. waters. The team also developed a cost estimate and production analysis to ensure the successful deployment of this innovative technology.

Key Benefits of WHEEL Technology

Concrete-Based Evolved Spar Solution: The WHEEL platform uses a concrete construction, which provides durability and cost-effectiveness.
Unique Suspension System: A stabilizing ballast tank is suspended from an upper buoyancy tank with a triangular cable configuration that ensures stability and synchronized movement between the two tanks.
Modular Design: The upper hull is submerged for better stability, while a modular steel tripod emerges as a transition piece, allowing easy scalability and adaptation.
Reduced Infrastructure Needs: WHEEL technology allows for the rapid construction of concrete caissons on floating barges, significantly lowering the infrastructure requirements at ports, which is crucial for efficient deployment.
High Local Content: An impressive 98% of the WHEEL platform can be sourced and manufactured within the United States, supporting local industries and reducing reliance on foreign materials.

Empire Energy’s collaboration with Esteyco brings us one step closer to achieving the U.S.’s ambitious clean energy goals. By advancing technologies like WHEEL, we are helping to establish a pathway for the cost-effective domestic manufacture and deployment of gigawatt-scale floating wind farms. As we move toward net-zero emissions, this innovative platform will play a crucial role in unlocking the potential of offshore wind in deeper waters, offering a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.