Wind Tech Innovations: Floating LiDAR as a Pillar of Sustainable Development

By Sidney Bilski, metocean expert with 25 years of experience, Head of Sales, Marketing & QHSE at CLS Southern Africa

If someone had told me two decades ago that I’d been working on floating devices equipped with lasers to measure wind out at sea, I might have raised an eyebrow. Yet here we are, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with our Floating DeepCLiDAR.

The energy transition is a challenge we can’t ignore. According to the United Nations, to meet the Paris Agreement goals and keep global warming below 1.5°C, renewables need to make up at least 60% of global electricity production by 2030. Right now, we’re hovering around 29%. It’s clear we need to ramp up our efforts, and wind energy is set to play a key role.

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable sources available. The International Energy Agency predicts that offshore wind capacity could increase 15-fold by 2040. Offshore wind, in particular, holds incredible potential because the winds at sea are stronger and more consistent — a reliable and efficient energy source.

In my 25 years working in metocean activity I’ve seen the ocean’s many moods. From calm seas to stormy tempests, understanding these conditions is crucial for safely and effectively developing offshore projects. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities.

That’s why we developed the Floating DeepCLiDAR at CLS Group. Recently, it earned the Stage 2 Carbon Trust certification, an international stamp of approval for its reliability and performance. This gives developers, investors & governments confidence that our technology meets the highest industry standards.

So, what exactly is the Floating DeepCLiDAR?

Imagine a robust floating platform equipped with LiDAR technology (that’s “Light Detection and Ranging”) and advanced oceanographic sensors. It’s designed to withstand extreme weather — even hurricanes — and can be deployed in coastal, shelf, and deep waters. It measures wind profiles at 12 different levels from 19 to 300 meters above sea level, including key reference points at 38 and 100 meters.

Here are some of the benefits we’ve seen with this technology:

• Increased Precision: It provides high-resolution, real-time data on atmospheric and oceanic conditions, which is essential for designing and operating wind farms efficiently.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional measurement campaigns can be expensive and complicated. Our solution simplifies the process and reduces costs.
• Operational Flexibility: Since it’s an autonomous floating platform, it can be deployed in remote or hard-to-reach areas without heavy infrastructure.
• Environmental Sustainability: With a minimal physical footprint and non-intrusive technology, it has little impact on marine environments.

What’s particularly rewarding is knowing that our Floating DeepCLiDAR contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 7 — ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By enhancing the efficiency and viability of offshore wind projects, we’re playing a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change.

The energy transition demands resources, innovation, and international collaboration like never before. Offshore wind energy, supported by advanced technologies like our Floating DeepCLiDAR, is crucial for meeting global clean energy targets.

At CLS Southern Africa, we’re proud to be part of this journey toward a sustainable future. We’re ready to support projects that share this vision, offering our expertise and solutions to make a real difference.