The European Patent Office intends to grant additional patents to Hexicon’s TwinWind™ technology
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced its intention to grant Hexicon’s patent application for its unique mooring system using "Tension Leg Platform" technology. The mooring system is part of the TwinWind™ technology which last year already received EPO’s patent application approval for its inclined towers. The EPO’s decision to grant the TLP patent application means that Hexicon now has the option to acquire validated patents in European countries.
The EPO has concluded that Hexicon’s patent application meets the requirements on novelty, inventive step, and industrial application. Hexicon's CTO Niklas Hummel is pleased about the news:
“This patent will give us wider exclusivity and security on the market and allow us to continue to develop a viable and competitive technology in TwinWind™. Patents like this gives us the edge we need in the emerging floating wind market.”
The EPO’s grant comes with the possibility to validate patents in all the EPO member states that the company selects. At present, Hexicon is foremost interested in the 20+ countries in Europe with a coastline. The patent will allow Hexicon to drive innovation and commercialization in these areas, and Marcus Thor, CEO of Hexicon, sees great potential for the company in the European market:
"Having our TLP mooring system patented in Europe gives us the tailwind we need to continue with our plans for European collaborations. This is as good news for Hexicon as it is for all European countries where the energy demand is huge."
Europe's energy needs have increased significantly over a short period of time with a huge demand for fossil-free energy that can be put in place quickly and on a large scale. Hexicon's special mooring technology broadens the possibilities for floating wind farms in deep waters, it also reduces the footprint on the seabed as the mooring can be adapted based on different bottom types, marine environments, and weather conditions. With this type of anchoring, farms can be established in sea areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for wind power production.