As a first-mover project developer in floating wind and a technology provider, Hexicon operates in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, and has 17,000 MW gross project portfolio in development through various partnerships. IX Wind, part of the IX Renewables group and an international consultancy and EPC-Management company, has over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector and has been active in Taiwan since 2012, contributing to the successful completion of the country's first offshore wind project. With the combination of local knowledge and expertise in offshore wind development, this joint venture is poised for success, with commissioning for the project potentially starting as early as 2028.

“With Hexicon, we have found a knowledgeable and strong partner in this emerging floating wind market,” said Eric Kamphues, CEO of IX Wind. “Their track record of securing floating offshore wind projects in cooperation with large players is a testament to their expertise. Furthermore, there may be opportunities to implement their patented TwinWind™ foundations in the future.”

Steve Seo, Managing Director of HexiconKorea, added: "We are excited to be entering the Taiwanese market with IX Wind who has been committed to Taiwan for a long time by providing international expertise and cultivating local talent for the offshore wind sector.  Our joint venture represents a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable energy and demonstrates our joint commitment to leading the way in floating wind development on a global scale."

Hexicon, operating in Italy through its joint venture AvenHexicon, now has a portfolio of seven development sites for floating wind along the coasts of Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia. Grid connections were applied for in 2022 and Terna has now issued the technical solution to connect six of the seven locations to the national grid – a total combined capacity of 7,100 MW. 
 
The interconnection permit, also called STMG, is a preliminary agreement from Terna to provide interconnection capacity. It provides a commitment from the TSO to make the necessary capacity available to be connected to the grid and is a mandatory step to receive the main authorization (the so called “Autorizzazione Unica” or “AU”) to build and operate an offshore wind farm. The grid connection solutions are issued for six offshore wind farms under development off the coasts of Sardinia, Sicily and the mainland, in Puglia. The grid connection application for the remaining wind site is currently being processed and is expected to come through shortly. 

“The progress is moving at record speed, which speaks for Italy's ambition to develop renewables in the country. Having the grid connection ready is yet another milestone passed, and one which significantly increases the value of each project,”, says Alberto Dalla Rosa, CEO at AvenHexicon. 
 
The Italian government signaled early on an ambition to take measures to speed up the processes for renewable energy projects, to faster cut dependence on Russian gas. With a vast coastline and excellent wind resources, especially in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has a strong potential for floating wind. GWEC has highlighted the country as one of the top five emerging markets for offshore wind. The country is aiming to generate 55% of its total electricity generation from renewables by 2030. 

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. 

20 teams, across Cornwall, Wales and the South-West, have been set up with "Spike" kits for the 2023 Super Charged Challenge which combines Lego with coding, robotics and teamwork  to build a project. Local teachers, volunteers and STEM-coordinators will mentor the teams ahead of regional finals in March 2023. The theme of this year’s challenge is focused on renewable energy with the challenge of building a floating wind farm in Lego. The initiative stems from a desire to get more young people to discover and get involved in engineering-related subjects that include innovation, science, and technology.

Twin Hub are building the first floating offshore wind farm in England & Wales, and a first in the Celtic Sea, about 20 miles off shore from St Ives. Through sponsoring a Lego First team there was a strong opportunity to bring some of the excitement of the offshore renewable industry into the classroom. Engaging children in the energy sector at an early age will be key to helping build capacity in the industry in the future. Teamwork is at the center of the competition and encourages participants to demonstrate originality, creativity and evaluate potential impacts and value of their projects. All of these skills are hugely beneficial for future careers in the renewable energy sector.

The floating offshore wind companies taking part in the initiative are; Hexicon-TwinHub, Blue Float Energy, Celtic Sea Power, Cierco Energy, FLOVENTIS, Falck Renewables SpA, Flotation Energy Ltd, Hiraeth Energy, Morwind Ltd, RWE, Seiche and  Ocean Winds. With the support from; Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Cognition Creative Learning CIC and the LEGO Group.

About FIRST® LEGO® League
Introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16* through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together. The three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.
https://www.firstlegoleague.org/