Ørsted, a prominent figure in offshore wind innovation, has successfully trialled a new noise-reducing technology for the installation of offshore wind foundations. This pioneering approach has the potential to reshape the manner in which offshore wind foundations are installed, while also significantly decreasing the impact on marine life.
The new technology, which underwent testing at the Gode Wind 3 wind farm in Germany, entails a patented jetting technology affixed to the monopile. This technology effectively reduces the resistance of the surrounding sandy soil, enabling the foundation to sink into the seabed without the necessity of traditional pile driving methods. Consequently, the new installation method has resulted in a substantial reduction in underwater noise levels, with a decrease of 34 decibels in comparison to the most commonly used installation method.
In addition to the noise reduction, this new technology presents the potential for more efficient and cost-effective installations of offshore wind foundations. It could also lead to the development of lighter next-generation foundations, as they will not be required to be designed for the conventional installation process. This marks a significant achievement in the offshore wind industry, being the first instance in which jetting technology has been utilized to install full-size monopile foundations.
Patrick Harnett, the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Ørsted, underscored the potential impact of this new technology, stating, “This new technology has the potential to transform the way we construct offshore wind farms. Once it is industrialised, it could not only be more economical, faster, and considerably quieter, but also has the potential to make next-generation foundations lighter as they will not need to be designed for the conventional installation process.”
While the technology has demonstrated promising results in the sandy conditions at the Gode Wind 3 site, further development and regulatory approvals will be necessary before it can be implemented on a larger scale and in more complex ground conditions. Ørsted is already considering the integration of the technology into their future pipeline, with the aim of making offshore wind installations more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
In addition to the successful trial of the new installation technology, Ørsted has been implementing a variety of effective protective measures to minimise the impact of offshore wind farm construction on the marine environment. These measures include the use of bubble curtains and other noise barriers during traditional installation activities, showcasing the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
The potential impact of this new technology transcends noise reduction, as it has the potential to make offshore wind energy more accessible and environmentally friendly. With the successful trial of the new installation method, Ørsted is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future for offshore wind energy.