Hydro and Siemens Power Generation have entered into an agreement to cooperate on technology to develop floating wind turbines based on the Norwegian energy company’s Hywind concept.

Siemens will deliver the first wind turbine for a demonstration unit to be place near Karmoy Island off southwest Norway. The outcome of the deal is expected to be the “first floating wind turbine at sea”.

Locating wind turbines offshore creates fewer angry coastal residents and is said to benefit from steadier wind.

A move to still-deeper water is expected based on semi-submersible techniques used in the offshore oil and gas industry.