Norway’s energy company, Statoil-Hydor, has launched a floating wind turbine, rated at 2.3 MW and claimed as the world’s first of its kind. In June, after assembly near Stavanger, the 65-meter-tall Hywind device with 80-m-dia blades was towed 10 km off Karmøy island for two years’ testing, beginning on Sept. 8. The 5,300-tonne unit, including a ballasted and anchored 100-m-deep supporting steel cylinder, is part of a $55-million research and development project.

Photo: Statoil-Hydro