Project aims to extend use of offshore wind monopiles

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A new research project has been launched to extend the use of offshore wind monopile foundations to support larger turbines in deeper waters.

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Monopiles are the cheapest and most widespread offshore wind turbine foundation but experience structural issues as their length and the weight they bear increases, which creates limits on weight and water depth. The Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA), led by the Carbon Trust, is looking for a solution through the Support Structure Damping project.

The project is seeking a contractor for the technical delivery of six work packages and an invitation to tender is out this week that is open to submissions from prospective bidders. The accelerator is also open for new partners to participate in the project.

In a statement Robert Keast, Carbon Trust offshore wind manager, said: “Monopile research is particularly urgent as the number of shallow sites are limited. Cost effective expansion into deeper waters will be required for us to meet Net Zero targets and create more affordable energy for end consumers”

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Currently, alternative foundation types - including jackets, tripods, or floating structures - would need to be used past a certain depth. If monopiles become available for deeper waters, they could cut the costs and complexity of wind farm development.

Keast said: “At present, most turbines installed are 10MW or less, with larger 15-20MW turbines expected to become standard by the late 2020s. We hope that this research will find improved damping solutions for wind turbine structures, to prevent the structural issues caused by increasing water depth and turbine weight.”

The project will define new design guidelines, which incorporate improved damping technologies, for offshore wind structures.  The guidelines will set best practice for developers and turbine manufacturers to collaborate in the structural design process.

The tender closes on 1st December 2022, with successful applicants expected to begin work later this year, running until early 2024.

The Carbon Trust will manage and lead the project, with the selected contractor delivering the technical studies, supported by project partners Equinor, RWE, Shell, SSE Renewables, TotalEnergies and GE.