Deep-Water Wind Takes a Certified Leap Forward

X1 Wind’s X100 platform wins DNV approval, paving the way for Mediterranean trials and scaling floating wind across Europe

18 Mar 2026

Europe’s floating wind sector has taken a step towards commercial deployment after Spain-based X1 Wind received a Statement of Compliance from certification body DNV for its X100 platform.

The approval, granted on March 13, confirms that the design meets international standards for large-scale deployment, particularly in deep-water environments where fixed-bottom turbines are not viable.

DNV conducted the assessment under its SE-0442 framework for floating wind turbines. The review covered structural strength, hydrodynamic behaviour and the platform’s station-keeping system, including its ability to withstand extreme ocean conditions expected once every 500 years.

The X100 platform uses a hybrid design that combines a tension leg system with a semi-submersible structure. X1 Wind said this approach reduces steel use by between 30 and 50 per cent compared with conventional designs, with the structure weighing about 1,500 tonnes. The configuration also allows the unit to align with wind direction and simplifies installation at sea.

Designed for turbines with capacities of 6MW to 10MW and rotor diameters of about 160 metres, the X100 is set to be deployed at the PLEMCAT test site in the Spanish Mediterranean. The project forms part of the EU-backed NextFloat programme, led by Technip Energies and X1 Wind, and supported by Horizon Europe funding, France’s 2030 investment plan and the EU Innovation Fund.

Data from the planned multi-year offshore trial will be used to secure full prototype certification and inform future commercial projects.

The certification also supports development of the larger X150 platform, aimed at turbines of 15MW to 20MW, with early-stage agreements already signed in Europe and Asia.

Floating wind is seen as critical to expanding renewable capacity in regions with deep coastal waters. Industry participants say independently verified designs help reduce technical uncertainty, a key barrier to attracting investment and scaling projects beyond demonstration phase.

Further certification milestones and operational data are expected to shape the pace at which floating wind moves towards wider commercial adoption.