Impact of offshore wind farms on seabed investigated
Pioneering scientists are exploring the impact of British wind farms on the seabed amid plans to build up to 25,000 more offshore turbines. Research led by the University of Essex highlights the transformative effects of these installations on coastal communities and marine environments. Offshore wind farms significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and supporting local economies while boosting marine biodiversity by creating new habitats for various species.
Dr Natalie Hicks from the School of Life Sciences, one of the University’s largest departments, led an expedition to an operational Ørsted offshore wind farm off the coast of Cumbria. The project involved chartering a private survey vessel to examine one of the oldest active offshore wind farms in the UK. Researchers took samples from as close as 50 metres to the turbines and as far as one mile (1.6 kilometres) away. These samples are now being analysed to understand the environmental impact.
Underpinning decision-making
Dr Hicks said: “This research is hugely important. There are not enough specialist scientific vessels to gather the evidence in time so collaborating with industry is key to gathering data. We know our demand for net zero energy targets means we have seen an increase in offshore wind farms, so understanding any environmental effects of these wind farms is urgent. We hope this research will feed directly into policy decision-making around offshore wind consenting.”
She added: “We know we are going to see an increase in offshore wind, so timely and evidence-based decisions are going to need to be made by policymakers. This science will hopefully underpin their decision-making, and impact on government policy.”
Marine scientists will also compare the effects of decommissioned oil platforms to get a snapshot of how fossil fuel and renewable energy assets vary in their impacts. The research aims to discover how the turbines may affect biodiversity, carbon storage and seabed composition.
Ørsted emphasizes that developing renewable energy in harmony with nature is crucial to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Through collaboration with academic bodies and stakeholders, the goal is to enhance scientific understanding of the ecological benefits and impacts of critical green energy projects.
This research supports the EU’s European Green Deal, which advocates the construction of thousands of wind farms in the North Sea to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
