A recent study by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) and Stillstrom by Maersk has found that offshore wind farms could be serviced by battery-powered, zero-emission vessels charged directly from the wind farm's own turbines, potentially transforming offshore operations.
The study, commissioned by SPR, is the first of three focused on decarbonizing offshore operations and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the sector. The research specifically looked at integrating battery-powered service operation vessels (E-SOVs) into offshore wind farm operations.
The findings indicate that the electrification of offshore operations is technically feasible and could deliver both economic and operational benefits. It also confirms that E-SOVs could operate for up to 18-19 hours a day without needing to be recharged, significantly reducing GHG emissions.
“The study with Stillstrom provides valuable learning on how this innovative technology could be integrated into offshore wind farms and shows the art of the possible,” said Ross Ovens, managing director for offshore at ScottishPower Renewables. He added, “What we need to do now is consider what this means in practice and what that would look like in real life.”
The report highlights that offshore wind farms could provide the necessary grid infrastructure for charging E-SOVs, giving operators greater control over fuel costs and mitigating exposure to volatile fuel prices and geopolitical risks. The integration of E-SOVs could almost entirely eliminate service vessel-related GHG emissions, as the vessels would be powered by the clean energy generated by the wind farms.
Kristian Borum Jorgensen, chief executive of Stillstrom, emphasized the potential of the technology, saying, “Our collaboration with SPR highlights the potential of E-SOVs to fully decarbonise vessel operations in offshore wind farms, making them more sustainable and cost-effective.” He added, “With our offshore charging solutions now commercially ready, we are excited to deliver practical systems that accelerate decarbonisation and enable a cleaner future for offshore operations.”
The study's findings are being shared through the Operation Zero initiative, launched at COP26, which aims to bring together developers and supply chain companies working toward zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels in the offshore wind sector.
