June 28, 2012 – Caterpillar has been selected to supply generator power to Principle Power, a renewable energy technology developer, for its WindFloat Prototype project. The grid-connected floating structure supports a Vestas V80-2.0 MW turbine, with an Olympian GEP 88-4 generator set for standby power, rated at 88.0 kVA. The project is being carried out by WindPlus, a joint-venture company led by Portuguese energy group EDP.

Using pioneering technology for floating wind power generation units, the project is being tested 5km offshore near the northern town of Povoa do Varzim, Portugal. Since wind and the waves will both be affecting the platform at any one time, stability is key. According to Principle Power, the Olympian generator sets were selected because of their proven reliability.

“Our Cat dealer helped us design a solution that would stand up to the harsh conditions of the marine environment,” said Craig Andrus of Principle Power. “We also had a critical delivery schedule that had to be met, and knew our Cat dealer would achieve it.”

Principle Power reports that many similar projects are in development for the installation of commercial WindFloat units at European and U.S. offshore wind farms.