Offshore wind energy

Offshore wind farms are an important component of energy transition. The Offshore Wind Energy Act came into force in 2022. It specifies that the installed capacity should increase to at least 30 gigawatts by 2030 and to at least 70 gigawatts by 2045.

However, this expansion involves potential risks for marine mammals, resting and migratory birds and more. To identify potential conflicts at an early stage and develop solutions, targeted studies are therefore required before, during and after the construction of a wind farm.

We conducted the first environmental impact study for an offshore wind farm in German waters and are now involved in wind farm projects in nine European countries. 

If required, we support the entire planning approval process in close consultation with operators, authorities and other stakeholders.

One focus of our work is on recording birds and marine mammals and analysing and evaluating the data collected during the baseline, construction and operational phase of offshore wind farms (in accordance with the BSH's current StUK). This includes ship- and aircraft-based transect surveys of marine mammals and birds, radar ornithological, acoustic and observer-based surveys of migratory birds, acoustic surveys of bats and passive-acoustic monitoring of harbour porpoises. 

Harbour porpoises are particularly at risk during the noise-intensive foundation works. Passive-acoustic monitoring during this part of the construction phase serves to monitor the presence of harbour porpoises near the construction project to ensure that further development is as environmentally friendly as possible as well as to rule out any lasting negative effects. 

A further important field of work are research projects to improve the environmental compatibility while reaching the expansion targets.

These can be projects to document and research the impacts of offshore construction activities on marine mammals, resting and migratory birds and bats or application-related research projects. We are for example involved in the VISSKA joint project to research vibro piling as a new method to install foundations and are preparing a concept study to establish an (international) radar network. We have also provided scientific support for the development of a bubble curtain to reduce noise during pile driving.