Norwegian company Wind Catching Systems (WCS) has announced that it has received approval for its innovative 40 MW Windcatcher floating wind turbine. Unlike traditional wind turbines with large rotors, WCS has developed a unique design consisting of multiple smaller motors organized in a grid. The system is capable of generating up to 126 MW of power, which is 5 times the capacity of a 15 MW single-turbine installation in North Sea conditions. WCS says the new Windcatcher design not only provides high power output, but also simplifies installation and maintenance compared to conventional wind turbines. This system has a 50-year service life, which is significantly longer than the 30-year service life of conventional installations. The idea behind the project is to create floating supports between multiple small and light turbines, allowing the weight and force of the wind to be evenly distributed over a large area. WCS has received design approval for the 40 MW system, which will be the first of four expected units for a floating wind turbine demonstration off the coast of Eygarden in Norway.