Statoil builds first floating wind turbines off Scottish coast
Norwegian state energy company Statoil has constructed the world's first floating offshore wind farm, for use about 30 km off the Scottish coast. The NOK2bn ($253m) Hywind Scotland project, set to be operational this year, comprises five wind turbines, designed to sit on the surface of the water and capable of generating 6 MW each – with enough combined electricity output to power 20,000 UK homes. "Some people thought we were crazy when we put a giant wind turbine on top of a floating spar structure and towed it out to sea," the company said in a statement.
One of the enormous turbines being towed out to sea. Roar Lindefjeld / Woldcam via Statoil

This summer five wind turbines are being towed out into the North Sea, where they will be the first ever floating offshore wind farm.

The turbines, built in Norway this year, have been dragged across the ocean to Scotland, where they will start working just off the coast.

The project — known as Hywind Scotland — cost a total of NOK 2 billion (£193 million, or $253 million).

It is expected to generate enough power for 20,000 households when it starts producing energy later this year, according to Statoil, the Norwegian state energy company behind the project.

Take a look at the slides below to see how the turbines work, and why an idea once dismissed as "crazy" is coming to life.