Orsted, a leading developer in offshore wind energy, has unveiled a groundbreaking installation method aimed at significantly reducing noise levels during the installation of offshore wind foundations, potentially revolutionizing industry practices.
The new jetting technology, successfully trialed at the 242MW Gode Wind 3 offshore wind farm in Germany, marks a milestone in mitigating environmental impact while enhancing cost efficiency. Orsted's innovative approach involves attaching a patented jetting technology to the foundation base, which reduces resistance in sandy seabeds, allowing the foundation to sink without traditional pile driving methods.
Patrick Harnett, Orsted's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the technology's transformative potential: “Orsted has been at the forefront of offshore wind innovation and marine protections for 30 years, and we continue to push the envelope on new innovative solutions.”
He elaborated on the advantages: “This new technology is a potential game-changer for how we build offshore wind. Once industrialized, it could not only be cheaper, faster, and far quieter – without additional mitigation – than any other monopile installation technology.”
The method has already demonstrated remarkable results, achieving a noise reduction of 34 decibels compared to conventional methods, effectively reducing noise levels by over 99% to levels just above ambient sea noise in the German Bight.
The project at Gode Wind 3 has also highlighted potential future benefits, including lighter next-generation foundations due to simplified installation requirements.
Orsted conducted the installations in collaboration with Jan De Nul Group and their vessel Les Alizés, alongside contractor Aarsleff. The company is now exploring opportunities to scale up the technology for broader application, assessing its feasibility across various seabed conditions beyond pure sand.
Regulatory approvals will be pivotal for expanding the use of this technology globally, paving the way for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective offshore wind projects.
