OGV Renewables Magazine - Issue 09 by OGV Energy

MAXIMISING VALUE: possibilities become realities

READ ON PAGE 4 

DAN HYLAND – DIRECTOR

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘OGV Renewables Magazine’ where we explore the changing landscape of renewable energy and the ongoing energy transition. In this issue, we are thrilled to welcome Proserv as our front page partner and you can read all about the new Proserv’s ECG™ Cable Monitoring Solution on pages 4-5 inside. WISH

We also have insights from the Commercial Director of Aquaterra Energy - Anne Hasse on the East of England becoming the Hydrogen Powerhouse of Europe, followed by an excellent in depth review of the CO2 storage challenge's currently being tackled by the Aquaterra team.

There will be a brief view on the breaking news of BP's decision to move on its US onshore wind company and the impacts of this which will be covered in future articles.

We are also delighted to present articles from our friends at Flotation Energy, Wood and Ocean Winds.

As always, we also have the latest news across Wind, Hydrogen & CCS, Geothermal and Electrification as well as analytics from Westwood Global Energy Group, project information from the EIC and contract wins from Infinity Partnership.

Warm regards,

Proserv’s ECG™ Cable Monitoring SolutionTransforming the Offshore Wind Sector

As the global transition towards renewable energy intensifies, offshore wind energy stands at the forefront of this revolution.

Paul Cook, Vice President,

The operational efficiency and reliability of offshore wind farms are paramount to their economic viability and environmental impact. One critical aspect of this infrastructure is the subsea cabling system, which connects turbines to each other and to onshore grids. Recognizing the challenges posed by subsea cable management, Proserv has developed an innovative Electro Cable Guard (ECG™) monitoring solution. This article delves into the functionalities of Proserv’s ECG™ system and its significant value to the offshore wind sector.

Understanding Proserv’s ECG™ Cable Monitoring Solution

Proserv’s Electro Cable Guard (ECG™) is an advanced monitoring system designed to enhance the reliability and longevity of subsea power cable systems used in offshore wind farms. The ECG™ system employs a combination of state-of-the-art sensor technology, real-time data analytics, and robust communication technologies to provide continuous monitoring and early warning of potential cable and termination issues.

OGV spoke to Paul Cook, Vice president, Renewables.

OGV: Mr. Cook. Can you start by telling us a little about Proserv and your role within the company?

PC: Certainly. Proserv is a global controls technology company. We improve the reliability, integrity, efficiency and productivity of critical infrastructure with industry leading controls technology. As the Vice President of Renewables, I oversee and deliver our strategy in the renewables marketplace, focusing on how our technologies can support the transition to sustainable energy.

OGV: The renewables marketplace is growing rapidly. What do you see as the primary challenges facing the industry on a global scale?

PC: The renewables sector, especially wind energy, faces a multitude of different challenges. First and foremost is the issue of reliability of critical components and infrastructure. Wind farms are often located in harsh offshore environments, and with the reluctance to adopt a data lead conditionbased maintenance O&M strategy, failures are becoming increasingly costly as capacity scales up. The integration of renewable energy into existing grids systems require substantial upgrades and adaptations to ensure stability, efficiency, and the capability to accept and distribute the power generated by these substantial projects. Additionally, financing and regulatory uncertainties also pose barriers, as different regions have varying policies and levels of support for renewable initiatives.

OGV: How does cable monitoring come into play in addressing these challenges, specifically for wind technology?

PC: Cable systems are critical components of offshore wind farms responsible for transmitting the generated electricity to the grid. HV cable systems, including terminations and joints, are subject to various stresses, including electrical loading, mechanical strain, thermal effects, and environmental factors like water ingress and corrosion. Monitoring cable and termination systems proactively is essential to ensure the continuous and reliable operation of wind farms.

By implementing advanced cable monitoring solutions, such as Proserv’s ECG™ holistic cable monitoring system, we can detect issues like poor power quality (which is a precursor to mechanical and partial discharge (PD) failures), electrothermal failures, insulation degradation, and other faults before they lead to catastrophic failures. Adopting a conditionbased maintenance strategy through and enabling technology in ECG™ helps in optimising operations and planning timely interventions, thereby reducing unplanned

downtime and extending the lifespan of the cables and termination systems. Moreover, it significantly cuts down the operational costs associated with emergency repairs and replacements.

OGV: What specific technologies or methodologies does Proserv use in its cable monitoring solutions?

PC: Our cable monitoring solutions utilise a unique and proprietary passive sensing technology in Distributed Electrical Sensors (DES) and a combination of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technologies. DES enables point measurements of electrothermal elements of the cable system, deployed at cable terminations to proactively pinpoint potential failures based on current, voltage, and temperature parameters located in locations that DTS and DAS cannot operate. DTS measures temperature variations along the length of the cable, helping to identify overheating issues that could indicate potential faults which we also correlate this with Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) to identify the thermal headroom in the cable (this is also correlated with the point temperature sensing of DES). DAS, on the other hand, monitors acoustic signals to detect physical disturbances and environmental changes, which can instantly damage or degrade the cable over time, which can be picked up earlier in its failure pathology.

We also integrate advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to process and interpret the data collected from these sensors, in real-time. This allows us to provide instant insights and actionable intelligence to our clients, enabling them to make informed decisions on their cable and termination assets.

Renewables, Proserv

OGV: How do you see the future of wind energy and Proserv’s role in it?

PC: The future of wind energy is very promising, with continued advancements in technology and increasing global commitment to reducing carbon emissions. As the industry grows, the importance of ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind farms will become even more critical. Proserv is committed to being at the forefront of this evolution by providing innovative solutions that address these challenges.

Proserv’s core strength in controls and monitoring systems is crucial for optimizing the performance and efficiency of complex offshore wind farms.. By doing so, we hope to support the wind energy sector in achieving its goals of sustainability and resilience, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Features of the ECG™ System

Real-Time Monitoring:

ECG™ continuously monitors key parameters such as current, voltage, temperature, vibration, and overall performance of the subsea cable and termination systems. This real-time data collection is crucial for early detection of anomalies that could indicate potential faults or degradation.

Predictive Analytics:

Utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning, ECG™ analyses the collected data to predict potential failure points. This predictive capability enables proactive condition-based maintenance, thereby preventing unexpected failures and reducing downtime.

Integrated Communication:

ECG™ integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, or operates independently, providing operators with real-time alerts and detailed reports via a user-friendly interface. This integration ensures that the data is readily accessible and actionable.

Durability and Reliability:

The integrated sensor technology is robust and reliable for over 25 years of operation, ensuring consistent performance throughout the lifetime of the wind farm.

Value to the Offshore Wind Sector

Enhanced Reliability and Efficiency:

By providing continuous, real-time monitoring, ECG™ significantly enhances the reliability of offshore wind farms. Early detection of potential cable and termination failures allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures and ensuring consistent power generation.

Cost Savings:

Condition-based maintenance enabled by ECG™ translates to substantial cost savings. By identifying and addressing issues before they escalate, operators can avoid expensive repairs and prolonged downtime. Moreover, the system's ability to extend the lifespan of subsea cable systems further enhances the return on investment.

Increased Safety:

Enabling condition-based maintenance means that less time is required by resources offshore, increasing the safety aspects of operating wind farms.

Environmental Benefits:

The reliability of power transmission is crucial for the overall efficiency of offshore wind farms. By ensuring optimal performance of the subsea cable systems, ECG™ contributes to maximizing the energy output and minimizing the environmental footprint of wind energy power generation.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

The wealth of data generated by ECG™ empowers operators to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach enhances operational planning, resource allocation, and strategic development, driving continuous improvement in offshore wind farm management.

Case Studies and Real-world Applications

Several offshore wind projects are already adopting Proserv's ECG™ system. In 2024, Hywind Scotland, Hywind Tampen and the first 2 phases of Dogger Bank wind farms are all installing ECG™.

ECG™ was developed for industry, by industry, with the industrial sponsorship of the development of the ECG™ technology by 2 major offshore wind developers and operators, ScottishPower Renewables and Equinor. This was also coupled with £1m of funding through the Innovate UK Smart Grant funding mechanism to expedite the commercialisation of this critical and important technology to the offshore wind industry.

Conclusion

ECG™ represents a significant advancement for the offshore wind sector. Its ability to provide real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and monitoring cable infrastructure completely passively delivers unparalleled value, enhancing the reliability, safety, and efficiency of offshore wind farms. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, solutions like Proserv's ECG™ system will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable and efficient operation of offshore wind infrastructure, driving the transition to a greener future. 

Illustration of ECG™ on an offshore substation

Illustration of ECG™ on a floating offshore windfarm

DECADES

OF INNOVATION & EXPERTISE IN ENGINEERING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

FIBRE OPTIC TRAINING

for the onshore, offshore and renewables markets

RCP - Instrumentation and Control System specialists have made significant investment in fibre optic equipment such as fusion splicing machines, mechanical splicing kits, fibre optic ovens, optical power meters, optical microscopes and polishing equipment to terminate and test fibre optic cables, connectors, junction boxes and patch panels to a very high standard.

In 2021 a dedicated fibre optic workshop was set up at our Blackburn facility to provide fibre optic training to the onshore, offshore and renewables markets.

Fibre Optic Training includes

Fusion Splicing of single mode and multimode cables using Fujikura fusion splicers, construction of bespoke fibre optic cables and connector sets, construction of circular plug/socket connectors for hazardous area use. ATEX/IECEx zone 1 connectors, cables made up with pre-potted glands and tails to facilitate ease of fitment to drilling platforms, rigs offshore and renewable assets.

Mechanical splicing – Corning and Huber + Suhner connectors, ST, SC and LC, insertion loss and cable loss measurements, testing connectors and cables for insertion loss and return loss. OTDR testing using Fujikura machines.

The format of the course starts with the theory of Fibre Optics. Safety when using Fibre Optics, FO cable selection and connector types. Stripping fibre optic cables and

FIBRE OPTIC + TRAINING COURSE

preparation including the use of fan out kits, the use of fibre breakout boxes and fibre optic plug socket connectors and an understanding of loss budgets for fibre optics.

Delegates will learn how to manually splice using a Corning Kit with ST, SC and LC connectors. They will learn how to measure insertion loss of splices, connectors and cables. The delegate will use a fibre optic power meter. There will also be an introduction to fusion splicing.

The training course consists of both theoretical and practical elements with approximately 75% of the course being practical exercises where the delegates get to practice the skills taught.

By the end of the course each delegate will be able to identify different types of fibre cable for use on/offshore, select the correct type of cable and connector for the application in hand, prepare and manually splice a connector onto a fibre optic core(mechanical splice), test the integrity of the connector and measure the insertion loss of the cable or cable system.

The delegates will be able to fault find and repair fibre optic cables and connectors, prepare and splice a connector onto a fibre optic core known as fusion splicing.

The course material can be created bespoke to a company’s specific requirements. The course runs over 2 days.

A certificate of competence will be issued to the delegate's employing company on successful completion of the course.

RCP provide the following site services on or offshore

Fusion Splicing of single mode and multimode cables – Fujikura fusion splicers, Construction of bespoke fibre optic cables and connector sets, Mechanical splicing – Corning and Huber + Suhner connectors, ST, SC and LC. Construction of bespoke fibre optic cables and connector sets – Insertion loss and cable loss measurement, testing connectors and cables for insertion loss and return loss. 

Editorial newsdesk@ogvenergy.co.uk

+44 (0) 1224 084 114

Advertising office@ogvenergy.co.uk

+44 (0) 1224 084 114

Design

Jen McAdam Cali Gallow Ben Mckay

Journalist Tsvetana Paraskova

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions published within editorials and advertisements in this OGV Energy Publication are not those of our editor or company. Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the legitimacy of the content, OGV Energy cannot accept any responsibility for errors and mistakes.

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT FIRST EVER AWARDS DEDICATED TO SCOTLAND’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN

Awards showcase the cutting-edge excellence that drives Scotland’s world-leading renewables industry. Nine winners from across Scotland: Aberdeen, Shetland, Montrose, Stirling, Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow

Organised by trade body Scottish Renewables, the awards highlight the innovation, commitment and leadership within Scotland's renewable energy supply chain.

From a shortlist of 44 finalists, this year's winners are at the cutting-edge of excellence that drives Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy industry.

Winners included:

Verlume, a world leader in subsea energy management and energy storage technology, took home the Outstanding SME Award.

Renewable Parts, who refurbish, repurpose and recirculate wind turbine components, received the Green Energy Skills Award for its leadership in training the next generation of energy professionals, offering apprenticeships

Award for maximising Scottish content in renewable projects, securing £920 million in contracts and creating 866 jobs.

Michael Shanks MP, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero, delivered a keynote address emphasising Scotland’s crucial role in materialising the UK government’s ambition for renewable energy and driving progress towards the UK’s climate goals.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“The Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards are proud to support the nimble, agile, ambitious and innovative businesses, organisations and SMEs undaunted by the opportunity to deliver our new energy system.

“Hundreds of supply chain businesses are bringing their expertise across to the renewable energy industry while pushing new skills initiatives to grow, recruit and retain the people we will need in the future.

“The supply chain is a critical part of the vision we have for Scotland and the UK and I have been truly blown away by the ground-breaking work of this year’s finalists.

“Congratulations go to all off this year’s nominees, and of course the winners.”

This year’s Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards were headline-sponsored by TotalEnergies.

and work experience to nurture young talent.

Cairn Risk, a risk and safety management specialist, was recognised with the Green Business Growth Award for its ambitious local and international expansion which has seen more than 20 people employed across the UK, 90+ projects secured worth £4.5 million and operations extended to 13 countries across six continents.

Peterson Energy Logistics, a world-leading energy logistics company, took home the Technology & Business Innovation Award for its 'Lighthouse' software, which has revolutionised the logistics supply chain, delivering significant cost savings and reducing CO2 emissions by 8,915 tonnes.

Fred. Olsen Renewables, a developer, owner, and operator in renewable energy, was the winner of the Supply Chain Development

The full list of winners is as follows:

• Diversity and Culture Award: RES

• Green Energy Skills Award, sponsored by OPITO: Renewable Parts

• Green Business Growth Award: Cairn Risk

• Sustainable Supplier Award: ECO Hire Ltd

• Supply Chain Development Award, sponsored by Green Man Consulting Ltd: Fred. Olsen Renewables

• Best Practice Award, sponsored by Coast Offshore: Montrose Port Authority

• Outstanding SME Award, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise: Verlume

• Technology & Business Innovation Award, sponsored by Aspect: Peterson Energy Logistics

• Collaboration in Action Award: Offshore Wind O&M Partnership

The Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards took place last night (August 22) in Aberdeen, celebrating nine outstanding winners who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s thriving renewable energy sector.

OCEAN WINDS OPENS MORAY WEST O&M BASE IN SCOTLAND

Ocean Winds has opened its new operations & maintenance (O&M) base in Buckie, Scotland, that will service the Moray West offshore wind farm once it becomes fully operational in 2025.

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, visited the facility on 9 September to mark the opening of the Ocean Winds’ O&M base with associated quayside improvements.

The facility, built by Scottish contractors, includes offices, warehousing, and training facilities, as well as a redeveloped quayside area that features pontoons, cranes, and fuel storage to serve the crew transfer vessels (CTVs) taking personnel and equipment to the wind farm every day.

Once fully operational, the base will handle up to 100 vessel movements a week, Ocean Winds said.

Recruitment for the new O&M base is well advanced towards the full staffing complement for Moray West of more than 60 long-term local roles, according to the company.

The new base at Buckie complements the base in Fraserburgh that Ocean Winds utilises and that is dedicated to the Moray East offshore wind farm, creating an O&M hub that will enable the developer to manage and maintain the cluster of Ocean Winds’ operated offshore wind farms in the Moray Firth, including the planned Caledonia project.

“Employing local people that will be able to get home to their communities every night is a great result for Buckie, the region and Scotland. Our new Operations & Maintenance hub formed between Buckie and its sister base in Fraserburgh prepares us for efficient longterm operations, supporting long term careers across Moray and Aberdeenshire“, said Adam Morrison, Ocean Winds UK Country Manager.

The 882 MW Moray West offshore wind farm is nearing the end of the construction phase and is planned to become fully operational next year.

SCOTLAND LAUNCHES £7M GREEN HYDROGEN FUND

Businesses can bid for up to £2m to kick start hydrogen production and supply

Businesses will be able to bid for a share of up to £7m of Scottish government funding to help kick start green hydrogen projects across the country.

The funding will help cover the development stage costs of green hydrogen production projects with production capacity of between 5MW-400MW – the equivalent to the production of enough hydrogen to heat at least 200 to over 16,000 homes.

Support will also be available for work supporting the hydrogen supply chain and storage solutions, and will play an important role in helping the industry scale up as it responds to market demand.

Organisations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of £2m of match-

funding from the scheme which has been codeveloped with Scottish Enterprise, which will facilitate and manage the fund.

It complements a total of almost £7m from the Scottish government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which has supported 31 projects across the country since 2023.

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“This is due to our capability to generate so much renewable energy which is crucial to the process of making green hydrogen.

The project already delivered the first power from the series of Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD wind turbines and exported to Scotland’s National Electricity Transmission System (NETS), according to the developer. Moray West, part of Ocean Winds’ 6 GW portfolio of secured offshore wind farms in the UK, is expected to inject over GBP 800 million into the local Scottish economy throughout its lifespan, and during the construction phase, it will create more than 1,500 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) years in Scotland. 

“This funding – which will help support the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen hubs across the country, will, in time, help unlock opportunities in hydrogen for use and export and to power the clean energy intensive industries of the future.

“It demonstrates that Scotland is well positioned to lead the way in developing renewable energy in a way that delivers economic benefits and it also shows our commitment to help grow the hydrogen sector, one of the five priority areas set out in our new Green Industrial Strategy.”

Scottish Enterprise director of energy transition Suzanne Sosna added: “This new fund will help new green hydrogen projects get off the ground, something that is critical if we are to build the hydrogen economy as we aim to in Scotland.

“Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, has the potential to transform Scotland’s economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to helping hydrogen production, storage and offtake businesses as part of that.” 

uk review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

NEW UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO TURBOCHARGE GREEN ENERGY

TThe new UK government plans a major boost to investments in clean energy at speed and scale to guarantee energy security and protect bill payers permanently from fluctuations in the cost of fossil fuel energy.

he Labour government aims to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 and got to work immediately after taking office in early July.

While the new energy policy is stirring concern and uneasiness in the North Sea oil and gas industry as the windfall tax is further set to increase, Labour focuses on boosting renewable energy in the UK.

Within the first 72 hours of government, Labour lifted the ban on onshore wind. The government is revising planning policy to place onshore wind on the same footing as other energy developments in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The new government committed to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030. That means immediately removing the de facto ban on onshore wind in England, in place since 2015.

Another major indication of the new government’s energy policy came from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who in early July set out the priorities for the Energy Security and Net Zero Department.

“Our department will be at the heart of the new government’s agenda, leading one of the Prime Minister’s 5 national missions, to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero carbon electricity by 2030, and accelerating our journey to net zero,” Miliband said.

The priorities of the energy department are, as stated by Miliband, delivering the mission to boost energy independence and cutting bills through clean power by 2030, taking back control of UK energy with Great British Energy, upgrading Britain’s homes and cutting fuel poverty through the Warm Homes Plan, standing up for consumers by reforming the energy system, creating good jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands, including a just transition for the industries based in the North Sea, and leading on international climate action, based on the UK’s domestic achievements.

A week later, the King’s Speech to both Houses of Parliament said that the Government “is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time.”

The government plans to introduce a Bill to set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland,

which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind. Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure, His Majesty said.

RenewableUK welcomed the measures outlined in the King’s Speech, with Executive Director of Policy, Ana Musat, saying,

“Setting up Great British Energy to mobilise investment into renewables and support engagement with local communities will also play an important role in helping us meet our deployment targets. Ensuring this institution works well alongside the National Wealth Fund and other financial institutions will be essential to enable the private sector to mobilise the finance required to deliver the energy transition: in offshore wind alone, £100bn of private investment will be needed to deliver Labour’s target of 60 gigawatts by 2030.”

Musat added, “Getting that framework right so that we can secure the maximum amount of private capital is essential to realise the Government’s ambition to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower”

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, also welcomed the measures, but warned that “As we accelerate the delivery of clean energy projects, it will also be essential that the UK Government quickly tackles existing barriers to investment in the form of damaging transmission charges and new threats such as proposed electricity market reform measures as well as responding to the need to get behind a public awareness campaign highlighting the undoubted social and economic benefits that clean energy will bring to the UK.”

The government introduced the Great British Energy Bill to Parliament on 25 July.

“Backed by a capitalisation of £8.3 billion of new money over this Parliament, Great British Energy will work closely with industry, local authorities, communities and other public sector organisations to help accelerate Britain’s pathway to energy independence,” Miliband said.

“That means installing thousands of clean power projects across the country, crowding in investment for next-generation technologies, and providing vital support to accelerate largescale projects.”

Great British Energy will be an operationally independent company wholly owned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Led by its own CEO, Great British Energy will be overseen by an independent fiduciary Board, rather than ministers, benefitting from industry-leading expertise and experience across its remit. Trade unions will have a voice and representation within Great British Energy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the first major partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate, which has the potential to leverage up to £60 billion of private investment into the UK’s drive for energy independence.

The Crown Estate estimates this partnership will lead to up to 20-30 gigawatts (GW) of new offshore wind developments reaching seabed lease stage by 2030, enough power for the equivalent of almost 20 million homes, the government said.

“The partnership will boost Britain’s energy independence by investing in homegrown power, and with accompanying reforms to policy, cut the time it takes to get offshore wind projects operating and delivering power to homes by up to half,” according to the cabinet.

Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of the Crown Estate, said,

“The Crown Estate exists to serve the national interest, including stewarding our natural resources to deliver a decarbonised, energy secure and sustainable future. ”

RenewableUK welcomed the partnership, saying that the announcement shows a high level of ambition on jobs and investment.

“The Crown Estate’s greater borrowing powers will enable it to invest in our supply chain, including much-needed port infrastructure to accommodate vital new manufacturing for offshore wind,” RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said.

RenewableUK warned, however, that it would be “really vital that Great British Energy doesn’t disrupt the billions of pounds of private investment the Government will need to deliver their clean power ambitions, so the next steps of its development will have to be formed in close partnership with the sector.”

Offshore Energies UK, the main industry body of UK North Sea energy, also said that partnership with industry would be critical to the success of the new state company.

“GB Energy must be a positive step to bring confidence to the market, unlock further private investment and grow the UK’s supply chain,” said David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK.

“We continue to need a fiscal climate that promotes investment in the offshore energy sector to assure a managed transition to clean energy which does not depend on increased imports,” Whitehouse added.

“We’re committed to a partnership between government, industry and our skilled people that is focused on a homegrown energy transition, supporting jobs, growing our world class supply chain and delivering domestic energy security,” OEUK’s chief executive noted.

As part of its ambition to boost onshore wind after the lifting of the de facto ban, the UK government established the Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce to identify and then deliver the actions needed to accelerate onshore wind deployment to 2030 and beyond.

The Taskforce is expected to identify where there are financial, regulatory, or policy challenges that are preventing the construction and operation of onshore wind projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The Taskforce, whose members will meet regularly over the course of 2024, will issue at the end of 2024 or early 2025 a formal policy statement which will clearly set out a roadmap to 2030 and beyond, the government said.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, who has been invited to join the Taskforce, said,

“In Scotland, the Onshore Wind Sector Deal has been a game changer for the industry, setting out a series of key measures to support the Scottish Government in reaching its net-zero targets by delivering onshore wind farms quickly, sustainably and to the benefit of local communities.”

Continued Mack, “What we have learned from delivering the sector deal can play a crucial role for the Taskforce by helping to identify current barriers to deployment across the UK and offering solutions on how to improve the planning system and develop opportunities for the supply chain.”

On the last day of July, the UK Government hiked the budget for the next renewable energy auction to £1.5 billion, a record-high allocation and an increase of over 50 percent on the previous budget. The biggest boost was allocated to offshore wind auctions.

Energy Secretary Miliband announced on 31 July that the budget for this year’s renewable energy auction is being increased by £500 million to over £1.5 billion - a record budgethelping build new green infrastructure as part of the mission to deliver clean power by 2030.

“Last year’s auction round was a catastrophe, with zero offshore wind secured, and delaying our move away from expensive fossil fuels to energy independence,” Miliband said.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented, “Increasing the budget by more than 50% will boost industry confidence to back clean energy, attracting cutting edge clean technologies to Britain as we accelerate to a decarbonised power sector by 2030.” 

EUROPEAN

EUROPEAN review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

EUROPE NEEDS TO ACCELERATE CLEAN ENERGY ROLLOUT TO MEET NET ZERO GOALS

Europe has made huge progress in greening its power generation in recent years. Soaring wind and solar electricity output has been displacing fossil fuels, whose share in electricity output has dropped to an all-time low.

Europe has made significant progress in boosting renewable energy in recent years, amid an uncertain geopolitical situation and the need to ensure energy security and reach its net-zero goals by 2050.

Wind and solar power have overtaken fossil fuel-powered generation across the EU. But the block needs to accelerate investments, roll out further supportive policies, and increase clean energy capacity installations if it wants to achieve the net-zero targets, clean energy industry associations and analysts say.

EU Wind and Solar Overtake Fossil Fuels Generation

Wind and solar power generation across the EU continues to rise even amid the rebound

in electricity demand following the two years of crisis, clean energy think tank Ember said in a report about the EU power market in the first half of the year.

The share of wind and solar rose to new highs this year, reaching in the first half a share of 30 percent of EU electricity generation and overtaking fossil fuels for the first time.

Fossil fuels, for their part, accounted for 27 percent of EU electricity generation in the first half of 2024, Ember’s data and analysis showed at the end of July.

Power generation from fossil fuels continued to fall to new lows, even as demand rebounded. Fossil fuels generated 17 percent less electricity in the first half of 2024 compared

to the same period in 2023, with coal plunging by a quarter and gas generation down by 14 percent. The drop in fossil fuel generation is significant also because power demand rose by 0.7 percent, following two years of decline during the energy crisis. As a result, emissions in the first half of the year are now nearly a third lower than in the first half of 2022 — an unprecedented decline over such a short period, Ember noted.

While fossil fuel generation dropped, wind and solar surpassed fossil generation in 13 EU Member States, with four of these hitting the milestone for the first time in 2024: Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, more than 75 percent of the fall in fossil generation came from just five Member States, driven by the EU’s largest power sectors—Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

Even Poland, one of the EU member states heavily dependent on coal, has seen the share of coal in its power mix slump, from 80% in May 2019 to 57% this year, according to Ember.

EU Needs Further Boost for Renewables

While wind and solar capacity installations are soaring due to supportive policies and prices, Europe and the EU need further acceleration to sustain a structural shift in its power generation, Ember noted.

“As power prices return to pre-crisis levels, Europe cannot rely on the market alone to drive the necessary acceleration of renewables deployment,” Ember said.

“Well-designed and implemented incentive schemes will remain important to sustaining momentum.”

The EU member states must also overcome non-market barriers to renewable capacity additions, such as grid constraints, the think tank said.

“We are witnessing a historic shift and it is happening rapidly. If Member States can keep up momentum on wind and solar deployment then freedom from fossil power reliance will truly start to come into view,” said Chris Rosslowe, Senior Energy & Climate Data Analyst at Ember.

“As power prices return to pre-crisis levels, Europe cannot rely on the market alone to drive the necessary acceleration of renewables deployment,”

As the new European Parliament and European Commission are beginning their five-year terms, the WindEurope industry association called on the EU to invest massively in grids, accelerate the permitting of renewables, grids, and industry, help heavy industry electrify, ensure a level playing field for Europe’s clean tech manufacturing, and focus innovation on scale-up.

WindEurope also believes that Europe needs immediate actions to unblock grid capacity for more wind energy. Getting access to the electricity grid is now the number one bottleneck to deploying renewables at scale, according to the association, which says that hundreds of gigawatts of wind energy projects across Europe have applied for a grid connection permit and are waiting for an answer.

Currently more than 500 GW of potential wind energy capacity in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Ireland, Croatia, and the UK are waiting for an assessment of their application for a grid connection. Italy and the UK each have more than 100 GW of projects waiting, WindEurope found in a new report.

“Grid access is the new permitting – the number one bottleneck to the build-out of wind. The system is clogged up – and holding

back hundreds of gigawatts of wind farms,” said WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson.

“Some reforms will take time, such as more anticipatory planning. But some things can be improved immediately, notably better management of grid connection queues.”

The solar industry is seeking strengthened cybersecurity rules for distributed energy. In anticipation of the increasing digitalisation of the energy sector, SolarPower Europe is calling for more robust cybersecurity rules in a new policy paper.

“There are clear steps to be taken on the lower voltage levels, including improving cyber risk assessments, setting a new EU standard for product security for distributed energy resources, and empowering consumers to manage their device security,” said Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe.

“Any centrally co-ordinated or managed devices (for example, aggregated rooftop solar installations) should have an EU or nationally authorised layer of monitoring.”

EU Investments in Clean Energy Insufficient for 2030 Climate Goals

The EU’s 2030 climate and clean energy targets are currently out of reach as clean technology investments in the bloc are lagging behind China’s and will soon be overtaken by the United States, Rystad Energy research and modelling showed in June.

The EU is expected to fall far behind its ambitious energy transition targets for renewable energy, clean technology capacity and domestic supply chain investments, according to the independent research and energy intelligence company.

Capital investments (capex) in clean technologies in the EU – including renewables, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, batteries, and nuclear –totalled $125 billion in 2023.

These were dwarfed by China’s spending of $390 billion in the same sectors, per Rystad Energy’s research.

The US is currently behind the EU in annual spending on clean technologies, investing $86 billion in 2023. However, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is set to spur investments in the US, while the EU’s spending will plateau in the coming years. The US will all but match the EU in total clean energy spending in 2030, and accelerate past the bloc in the following years, according to Rystad Energy.

The EU has seen challenges in establishing a resilient supply chain for clean tech despite the bloc’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA).

The EU has lost much of its manufacturing base to Chinese and US competition, while key industry players are departing the bloc and relocating to regions with more attractive incentive structures, such as the US. As a result, the EU simply cannot compete, Rystad Energy said.

The relocation of these companies not only erodes the EU’s manufacturing capacity but also increases its reliance on non-European sources for essential components, making it dependent on other nations to secure its targets.

“The next few years are critical, and hesitancy or a lack of cohesion could see the bloc lagging its counterparts for decades to come,” said Lars Nitter Havro, Senior Energy Systems Analyst, Rystad Energy.

“As things stand, the EU is losing ground and is highly unlikely to reach its lofty goals.” 

renewable projects

renewable PROJECTS

Floating Offshore Wind Ossian

Development of a 3.6GW floating offshore wind farm in the Firth of Forth off the Angus Coast, east of Scotland. The site secured development rights as part of Crown Estate Scotland's competitive first ScotWind leasing round. A planning consent application has recently been submitted to the government. 1

Offshore Wind Farm Momentum

USA

SSE Renewables, Marubeni

Corporation & Copenhagen

Infrastructure Partners

$5.5bn

US Wind Inc.

$3bn

Construction of an 808MW offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. BOEM has released the project’s final environmental impact statement. The wind farm has already secured offshore renewable energy certificates from Maryland. The next step is for BOEM to issue its Record of Decision on US Wind's construction and operations plan, expected in September.

Floating Offshore Wind Farm Haewoori (Phase III) SOUTH KOREA

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)

$1bn

A 500MW floating wind farm located off the eastern coast of Ulsan. The Environmental Impact Assessment consultation with the Environment Ministry has been completed. CIP has secured electric business licenses for the Haewoori complex. Financial close is expected in 2025 and commissioning is slated for 2028.

Offshore Wind Farm OranjeWind NETHERLANDS

RWE & TotalEnergies

$3.5bn

Development of a 795MW offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea, 53km off the west coast. The wind farm will provide surplus electricity to power green hydrogen production on land and to incorporate floating solar panels. RWE is developing the wind farm in a 50:50 partnership with TotalEnergies. FID has been achieved and tier 1 contracts have been awarded to Sif, Jan De Nul, TFK and Vestas.

Floating Offshore Wind Farm Novocastrian AUSTRALIA

Oceanex Energy & Equinor

$6.67bn

Construction of a floating offshore wind farm in Novocastrian off Newcastle, about 30km from shore north of Sydney with a generation capacity of around 2,000MW. The federal government has awarded a feasibility license to the proposed wind farm. Construction will begin in 2028 and it is likely to be the country’s first floating offshore wind farm.

Offshore Wind Farm

Gennaker GERMANY

6 Koto Sani Tanjung Bingkung Geothermal Project INDONESIA

Skyborn Renewables

$2.5bn

Development of a 927MW offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. The project will cover an area of 185 sqkm, 15km north of the Fischland-DarssZingst peninsula. Siemens Gamesa’s turbine agreement has been updated from 103 x 9MW turbines to 63 x 15MW turbines. Ramboll is also to conduct FEED services for the monopile foundations.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia

$55mn

Construction of a 52MW geothermal power plant in the WPSPE Koto Sani Tanjung Bingkung area, Solok Regency and Solok City, West Sumatra Province. In July a tender had been launched to develop the area into the proposal. Submission of documents will take place from 26 July to 25 August 2024.

Orbital Marine Eday 3 Tidal Project UK

Orbital Marine Power

$10mn

Development of a tidal project in Scotland, Orkney & Shetland, totalling 2.5MW. Orbital Marine Power has selected Global Energy Group as their preferred supplier to lead the manufacture and assembly of turbines for company's projects that have secured a CfD. Turbine production is expected to start later in 2024.

PacWave South Test Site

USA

PacWave

$80mn

A 20MW wave energy test site in Newport, Oregon as part of the Oregon State University. The open-water, grid-connected facility will support R&D and innovation in wave power technology. The installation of power and data cables has begun and will be conducted by crews on three vessels. The first wave energy developer is expected in 2025, with the first cable-connected test slated for 2026.

9 Mentarang Induk

Hydropower Plant INDONESIA

PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara

$2.6bn

Development of a hydropower plant with a capacity of 1,375MW (5 x 275MW), to be built on the Mentarang River, located approximately 35km upstream of Kota Malinau in Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan Province. The EPC contract has been awarded to Sino Hydro and Cipta Utama as a joint venture.

Corigliano Floating Solar Farm

ITALY

SolarDuck

$120mn

Construction of a 120MW floating solar farm off the coast of CoriglianoRossano in Calabria, Italy. The scheme is part of a 540MW hybrid floating wind-solar farm project consisting of a 420MW floating wind farm made up of 28 turbines. The project is in the permitting process and is supported by the Green Arrow Infrastructure of the Future Fund.

12 GREGY Interconnector EGYPT-GREECE

Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company & Copelouzos Group

$3.8bn

Development of a 3GW 1,452km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line connecting Egypt and Greece. The first two calls for expression of interest have been published. The calls refer to the necessary "Desktop Studies" for the finalisation of the optimal choice of the submarine cable route and the landing points in the two countries.

WIND ENERGY SPONSORED BY

THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn are leading the way in the development of offshore wind projects. Determined to support the global movement to Net Zero and sustainable energy consumption, our core strengths lie in finding and developing sites for floating projects in deeper waters globally. Together we have harnessed our expertise to deliver reliable oil and gas electrification and decarbonisation projects that will pioneer the future of renewable energy.

THISTLE WIND PARTNERS SUBMITS ONSHORE SCOPING REPORT FOR BOWDUN OFFSHORE WIND FARM

Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) has submitted its Onshore Scoping Report to Aberdeenshire Council, for the onshore infrastructure associated with its Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm to request a Scoping Opinion under The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.

The Report provides information on the proposed onshore infrastructure and further outlines the approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment, including baseline data sources.

Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm, an approximately 1GW fixed-foundation project located 44km to the east of Stonehaven, will connect to the grid in Aberdeenshire.

The TWP team has been working through optioneering and consideration of environmental constraints, in discussions with several landowners, throughout the year to identify landfall, cable corridor and substations options. Onshore wintering bird and intertidal surveys were completed earlier in the year and ecology surveys, which will form a key part of the onshore environmental baseline assessment within the EIA, are currently ongoing.

Submission of this Onshore Scoping Report follows TWP’s submissions of both the Onshore and Offshore Scoping Reports for its Ayre Offshore Wind Farm in the first half of the year.

To keep stakeholders informed, the TWP team will be holding community consultation events in Aberdeenshire between 28th and 30th October 2024. Additional pre-application consultation events, in advance of the submission of a planning application, are planned for 2025. TWP will seek feedback from the community with regards to the Bowdun project.

Commenting on the announcement, Project Director, Ian Taylor said: “The submission of the onshore scoping report for the Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm is a very significant milestone for the project and allows us to continue engagement with the local community on the emerging cable corridors, substation and landfall. We are looking forward to meeting with the communities on Bowdun in October at our planned events in Aberdeenshire.”

The Bowdun Onshore Scoping Report is available to view on the TWP website: www.thistlewindpartners.scot/ayre/

Scoping requests to Aberdeenshire Council can be found on their Planning Portal at: www. aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/public-access 

BP TO SELL US ONSHORE WIND BUSINESS

Oil major will transfer workforce to buyer as part of clean energy unit sale

BP is to sell its US onshore wind energy business BP Wind Energy.

The oil major intends to sell the company as an integrated business, with its experienced workforce expected to transfer to the new owner on completion.

BP intends to launch the sale process shortly.

The unit has interests in ten operating assets across seven US states with a combined gross generating capacity of 1.7GW.

All wind assets are grid-connected, are already providing power to a range of offtakers and are operated from a base in Houston, the company said.

BP said it aims to bring together the development of onshore renewable power projects through Lightsource BP, the solar company it plans to take full ownership of.

Ian Taylor, project director, Thistle Wind Partners

On completion of this acquisition – anticipated before the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals – BP intends to support Lightsource BP continued growth, it added.

The company will become a developer of cost-competitive, utility-scale renewable power assets worldwide for both solar and onshore wind.

William Lin, BP EVP for gas & low carbon energy, said: “Renewables are an important part of our strategy as bp transitions to an integrated energy company.

“BP Wind Energy’s assets are high-quality and grid-connected but are not aligned with our plans for growth in Lightsource BP.

“So we believe the business is likely to be of greater value for another owner. This planned divestment is part of our strategy of continuing to simplify our portfolio and focus on value.”

OEUK WELCOMES RENEWABLE ENERGY BOOST FOR PROSPECTIVE WINDFARM DEVELOPERS

Floatation Energy announce 131 new green infrastructure projects offering 9.6 gigawatts (GW) of new energy is a positive step in securing the next generation of renewable energy infrastructure and will be enough to provide electricity for 11 million homes.

It will bring an extra 3.3GW of offshore wind energy including 400 MW of floating wind for the Green Volt project off the East coast of Scotland which is being developed by Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn.

This project is a significant development in unlocking the potential of the government’s Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas initiative (INTOG) which is designed to provide wind energy to power the oil and gas platforms which are still needed during the energy transition, and at the same time supply the UK grid.

The UK is a world leader in the deployment of static offshore wind and this support

for floating wind will put the country at the forefront of nations deploying the new technology.

It will also help to take forward the evolving North Sea energy industry and its supply chain as the K unlocks more floating wind opportunities.

OEUK members are at the heart of homegrown energy and UK energy security and have powered homes and businesses for decades. Investing in exciting new opportunities in offshore wind is part of that picture.

Britain is aiming to quadruple its offshore wind capacity from 15 GW to 60 by 2030 – enough to power every home in the country.

However, with 3.3GW the UK still remains well behind its annual target of 5.9GW of new offshore wind capacity for the next four years, which was outlined in the specialist independent report commissioned by OEUK from the leading energy consultancy AFRY earlier this year.

Firms have been hit by very much higher costs for building offshore wind farms because of the impact of inflation and increased raw material costs. Giving providers the confidence to invest in this new Allocation Round 6 (AR6) has the potential to anchor and grow energy jobs in the UK.

Thibaut Cheret OEUK’s wind energy manager said: ‘North Sea energy from oil and gas is a British industrial success story. Given the right investment environment our members will create a similar industrial success story from the energy transition, unlocking more than £200 billion in private capital before 2030, as well as helping to secure our domestic energy security and protect jobs.

‘We can only achieve these ambitious wind targets if we begin to deploy floating wind at scale offshore by 2030, using the early opportunities presented from the INTOG licences. This will require an alignment of industrial and energy strategies to benefit the UK economy.

‘We need to speed up this process of annual strike price auctions, alongside speeding up all investment in homegrown energy and the energy supply chain, if we are going to meet our legally binding net zero targets.

Nicol Stephen, chief executive of Flotation Energy, added: “Scotland is already a global pioneer in floating wind. This funding will kickstart the next phase of Europe’s largest floating wind project 80 km off the coast of Northeast Scotland. Green Volt is a huge £2.5 billion project. It will create over 2,800 jobs during construction. Once operational, the floating offshore windfarm will supply clean power to the UK grid, while also supplying renewable electricity to nearby oil and gas platforms.” 

EU APPROVES 700MW BELGIAN AUCTION

Princess Elisabeth Zone tender to be launched on 28 October

The European Commission has approved Belgium’s state aid mechanism, paving the way for the auction of the first 700MW wind farm in the Princess Elisabeth Zone.

This tender, planned to be launched on 28 October, marks a crucial step in Belgium’s journey towards energy independence and climate neutrality, said the country’s Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten.

By 2030, thanks to the new Princess Elisabeth Zone, North Sea wind farms will generate enough electricity to power every Belgian household, she added.

The country is set to triple its offshore wind capacity, paving the way for 100% green electricity from the North Sea for every household by 2030.

The process will start on 28 October 2024 with an auction for the first 700MW wind farm, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2028. This tender has now been approved by the European Commission.

For the first time, citizen participation will be a mandatory criterion, ensuring Belgians benefit directly from the transition through investment returns via renewable energy communities, said Van der Straeten. In addition, a maximum strike price cap of €95 per MWh will be enforced to ensure the cost to society is as low as possible.

Projects above this threshold will not be considered.

“Locally produced, affordable renewable energy is not only the future of our energy model—it is the strongest shield against extreme price volatility and a vital weapon in the fight against climate change,” said Van der Straeten.

She added: “With this European Commission’s approval, Belgium is set to make a significant leap in its energy transition, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.

“This is the first time that citizen participation is a mandatory requirement for an offshore wind tender.

“By involving citizens in renewable energy communities, we ensure they directly benefit from investment returns.

“This makes our energy transition fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable. Belgium is proud to be leading the way, and I hope this model will inspire similar initiatives across Europe.”

The Princess Elisabeth Energy Island will play a key role in the development of Belgium’s second offshore wind zone.

As the world’s first artificial energy island, located 45km off the Belgian coast, it will not only connect offshore wind farms to the mainland, but also serve as a landing point for future hybrid interconnectors.

It is expected to be built by 2026 and connected to the grid by 2028, with the first turbines operational by then.

The energy island will act as an extension of the North Sea grid, facilitating new connections

with offshore wind farms in neighbouring North Sea countries such as the UK, Ireland and Norway, further enhancing cross-border energy cooperation and strengthening Belgium’s renewable energy network.

Key criteria for the auction

The Princess Elisabeth Zone is central to Belgium’s ambitious climate goals, said the government, and the auction criteria are designed to ensure sustainability, affordability, and inclusive participation.

They are:

Green electricity for all Belgian households:

The Princess Elisabeth Zone will enable all Belgian households to get all their electricity entirely from renewable energy produced in the North Sea, covering 30% of Belgium’s total electricity demand.

Sustainability: Projects must adopt sustainable working practices and use the best available techniques and materials, reflecting the innovations of Belgium’s pioneering energy island.

Investment security: A capability based twosided Contract for Difference mechanism guarantees stable returns for investors while making excessive profits impossible.

Price stability for industry and citizens: Longterm Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with stable prices will ensure that Belgian industry and citizens benefit from predictable and affordable renewable energy, while reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. 

ØRSTED, PGE SIGN GDANSK PORT LEASE FOR BALTICA 2 OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

PGE and Orsted have signed a lease agreement with Istrana for the future T5 terminal in the Port of Gdansk.

It will be used for the storage, pre-assembly and offshore installation of turbine components for the 1500MW Baltica 2 project.

“The agreement on the lease of the terminal provides us with space necessary for the implementation of the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm construction project,” said president of the management board of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna Dariusz Marzec.

He added: “It is guaranteeing space for loading offshore wind turbine components onto ships and comprehensive service of installation vessels.

“The terminal has been designed in accordance with the latest industry standards and taking into account technological development trends in the offshore wind energy sector.

“This will create one of the most important and modern installation terminals in the Baltic Sea.

The marshalling port in Gdansk is a great opportunity for the development of the

domestic supply chain for offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea.

PGE and Orsted, who are developing the Baltica 2 project, emphasised Gdansk has very good navigational conditions and a favourable location in relation to the area where their first joint offshore wind farm will be built.

Advanced preparations for the construction of the terminal are underway and the project has received a building permit from the Pomeranian Voivode.

The new infrastructure in the port brings opportunities for Polish companies to be involved in the process of its construction and operation.

“Our port strategy is directed towards efficient project management. In carrying out the joint investment, PGE and Orsted are guided by a schedule, an integral part of which are signed contracts with component suppliers and offshore installation contractors,” said managing director of Orsted Offshore Polska Agata Staniewska-Bolesta.

She added: “The guarantee of timely delivery of services in the port is a critical element for the success of the entire project, so we are pleased that preparatory work for the construction of the terminal has gained momentum.

“The location of the installation port in Gdansk is also an important element in the development of the Polish offshore wind energy supply chain. Installation ports on the Polish coast will also serve in the next phases of offshore wind development in Poland, beyond the current decade.”

The lease will cover the period from the fourth quarter of 2026 (when construction work is scheduled to be completed) initially through to the end of 2028.

It applies to the entire T5 with an area of 21.3 hectares, almost half of which are the areas of increased carrying capacity necessary for offshore wind projects.

The concept and shape of the terminal will allow the simultaneous use of the total length of quays comprising two loading berths for jack-up installation vessels, an unloading quay and a ramp for unloading ro-ro transport vessels.

The parties to the agreement are Elektrownia Wiatrowa Baltica 2, which is owned by PGE and Orsted, and Istrana, a special purpose company owned 85% by the governmental Polish Development Fund and 15% by Baltic Hub.

Istrana won the tender for the lease of watercovered land located within the administrative boundaries of the Port of Gdansk, on which an installation terminal for offshore wind farms will be built in the coming years. 

Partners to use T5 terminal for 1.5GW Baltica 2 turbine assembly and installation

PLANNING APPLICATION FILED FOR 1.3 GW IRISH OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

The joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and EDF Renewables has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the development of the 1.3 GW Codling Wind Park project off the Irish coast.

The Codling project was one of Ireland’s seven offshore wind farms that were awarded Maritime Area Consents (MACs). Codling Wind Park secured its Contract for Difference (CfD) at a strike price EUR/MWh 89.82.

The offshore wind project will be built 1322 kilometres off the County Wicklow coast between Greystones and Wicklow Town.

The planning application gives two wind turbine design options, either installing 75 turbines with a rotor diameter of 250 metres and blade tip height of 287.72 metres, or 60 units with a rotor diameter of 276 metres and blade tip height of 313.72 metres.

The offshore transmission infrastructure will consist of three offshore substation structures (OSSs) each comprising a topside fixed on

a single monopile foundation to which interarray cables and interconnector will connect, and three 220 kV offshore export cables, connecting the OSSs to the landfall on the southern shoreline of the Poolbeg Peninsula.

Onshore transmission infrastructure will include onshore export cables routed underground from the landfall to a new onshore substation located to the north of Pigeon House Road, Dublin 4, and an onward connection to the existing Poolbeg 220 kV electrical substation at Pigeon House Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

A ten-year planning permission is sought, with an operational lifetime of 25 years.

The offshore wind farm could enter construction in 2026-2027, subject to receiving planning permission and all other necessary permits and consents being received.

In April, the joint venture contracted the engineering company COWI for the foundation design for the Codling Wind Park project.

Under the contract, COWI will deliver Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design of the wind turbine foundations and associated components, and offshore substation foundations.

WOOD IS DELIVERING CARBON SOLUTIONS FOR NEARLY HALF OF NORWAY’S CCS LICENSES

Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, is advancing three carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The company has successfully assessed the technical feasibility of the Trudvang, Luna and Havstjerne CCS projects, which combined can store up to 21 million tonnes of CO2 annually, the equivalent of nearly half of Norway’s total CO2 emissions in 2023 (46.6 million tonnes).

Wood’s comprehensive techno-economic assessments – the method for evaluating the economic performance of technology –have laid the groundwork for sustainable CO2 transportation solutions, enabling the projects to progress to the next stage of development. The assessment included cutting-edge flow assurance simulations, development of CO2 specifications, specialised subsea field layouts and innovative marine loading and offloading solutions.

Azad Hessamodini, Executive President of Consulting at Wood, said: “I am incredibly proud of our advisory team's dedication and expertise, which have been instrumental in driving these projects forward. Our longstanding presence in the North Sea, combined with the strategic scopes of work we have

secured in the Norwegian Continental Shelf, underscore our commitment to bringing investible and scalable decarbonisation solution to the region. We are honoured to support Norway in its journey towards a low carbon future.”

The CCS licenses are owned by Sval, Storegga and Vår Energi (Trudvang), Wintershall Dea and Total (Luna) and Wintershall Dea and Altera (Havstjerne). Wood’s technical experts from Stavanger, Sandefjord, Galway, Aberdeen and Reading are working together to deliver these scopes.

With over 30 years of experience in CCS and more than 200 global carbon capture studies delivered, Wood has a proven track record of executing CCS Solutions across the value chain, from capture to injection. Our knowledge and implementation expertise position us as a trusted partner in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Wood will be exhibiting at this year’s ONS conference in Stavanger on the 26th – 29th of August on stand 8350 (Hall 8). 

UK OIL & GAS HYDROGEN STORAGE PROJECT RECEIVES INDUSTRY SUPPORT

UK Oil & Gas PLC has announced a major boost for its Dorset hydrogen storage project. Managed by UKOG’s subsidiary UK Energy Storage (UKEn), the planned facility has received a key letter of support (LOS) from The Solent Cluster, the primary group of industries expected to use the facility.

The Solent Cluster is one of six major UK industrial hubs focused on reducing carbon emissions by switching to hydrogen and other low-carbon energy sources.

Located in southern England, it is a significant contributor to the region's industrial output and carbon emissions. UKEn's planned hydrogen storage facility is strategically positioned at the cluster's western edge, making it a crucial part of the area’s decarbonisation efforts.

UKOG boss Stephen Sanderson said: "This further key LOS will help strengthen UKEn's application for revenue support by providing government and identified potential strategic investors comfort that the project links directly to a major UK industrial user base.

"We look forward to continued collaboration with The Solent Cluster of which we are now a key member." 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

www.netzerotc.com

EAST OF ENGLAND - THE QUIET POWERHOUSE BEHIND HYDROGEN?

By Anne Hasse, Commercial and Strategy Director, Aquaterra Energy and Chair of Hydrogen East

You might not know it, but the East of England’s is an energy powerhouse, producing enough low carbon and renewable energy to power 32% of UK homes. It’s home to one of Europe’s largest offshore wind development zones with 37% of the UK’s offshore wind fleet. Its ports, including Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, are abuzz with the region’s highly skilled offshore workforce. And let’s not forget Bacton Gas Terminal which supplies 30% of the UK’s natural gas from fields in the Southern North Sea, and the gas interconnectors that make landfall from Europe here. They’re two-way, offering both import and export potential for molecules -the greener the better.

Looking to the horizon, the region’s diverse energy mix and offshore expertise also makes it perfectly placed for the upcoming hydrogen revolution. As the region’s green energy generation potential to produce hydrogen far outweighs local demand, it is well placed to export not only domestically, but to Europe too, supporting the EU’s strategic decarbonisation goals.

Unlocking the East of England’s hydrogen future

Struck by the potential, a cross-industry collaboration was established in 2020 to put the East of England on the UK hydrogen map. Today, over 30 companies representing the supply chain, major utilities, potential off takers, industry advisors and academia have come together to develop the region’s renewable hydrogen roadmap through Hydrogen East*.

With decades of world class offshore energy engineering skills and a core belief that renewable hydrogen has a key role to play in the decarbonisation of the energy system, Aquaterra Energy was one of the first to join and more recently I became chair of the initiative.

Having built expertise in oil and gas, Aquaterra Energy is now deploying its people, creativity and reputation to accelerate the commercialisation and scale of renewable energy technologies. We all want to build a sustainable future for every one of our team, their families and the region more broadly and believe a vibrant hydrogen economy can help deliver just that. As well as the time and resources we’re dedicating to Hydrogen East, we’re also working with developers to help create the solutions which will drive the acceleration of the sector and with it decarbonisation.

As one of the UK’s foremost farming regions, the East of England represents a massive opportunity to use hydrogen to decarbonise everything from tractors to fertiliser manufacturing.

Together as an industry we have already made great strides. Led by Cambridge University, a mapping exercise has been completed to assess existing infrastructure, and a roadmap for the future has been drawn up. We are also actively engaging with likeminded hydrogen hubs and clusters to apply lessons learned to reduce the time to first hydrogen. The next stage of the work will be to translate the roadmap into scaled-up, fundable near-term, regional development opportunities both in terms of generation – onshore and offshore –and in terms of offtake. Initial plans are already underway for circa 5 x 20MWh sub-utility scale green hydrogen projects.

As one of the UK’s foremost farming regions, the East of England represents a massive opportunity to use hydrogen to decarbonise everything from tractors to fertiliser manufacturing. Aviation and transport offer

promise too. Plans are already in the works to develop a net zero hydrogen transport hub at Snetterton to take advantage of its strategic location on the A11, with high volumes of HGV traffic annually, while Norwich Airport is increasingly recognised as a centre of excellence for sustainable aviation due its commitment to skills development and sustainability.

Altogether, the potential benefit of these projects to the local area is enormous, representing billions of pounds in gross added value and thousands of jobs.

Bringing together the region’s energy future

To maximise hydrogen’s potential within the region, we need a longer-term strategy that takes a holistic view of the opportunities, challenges and potential synergies across different stakeholder groups. Around 60% of the UK’s offshore wind projects are due to come onshore along the East Coast, and there are plans afoot to redevelop Bacton Gas Terminal where its existing interconnectors to Belgium and Netherlands could be converted to export hydrogen. Into the 2030s, the 3.2GW of additional capacity from Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station will be a further hydrogen avenue to explore. Linking into Project Union –

a plan to create a 2,000km hydrogen backbone from new and repurposed pipelines will also be important.

These are just a few of the plans and projects that may factor into realising the East of England’s potential as a major hydrogen producer and exporter. But intelligent engineering expertise as well as a highly collaborative and integrated approach will also be mission-critical. Given the pressure to scale hydrogen quickly, projects must be built ‘right first time’ and the devil will be in the detail. Added to that, projects need to be lean and highly repeatable to lower capex and improve return on investment.

This is where rethinking and reapplying existing offshore expertise will be highly prized. Hydrogen East’s role is integral in that respect, convening the skills and expertise from companies such as Aquaterra Energy to unlock billions of pounds in investment and deliver thousands of jobs for the region.

*Hydrogen East covers all land to the east of the A1 from the Humber to the south coast, encompassing Lincolnshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent. There are 31 members, in total, 16 in the IAG and 15 cluster supporters. 

WE NEED TO APPLY CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES TO ACCELERATE CO2 STORAGE

By Stewart Maxwell, Technical Director at Aquaterra Energy

Amidst an ongoing increase in global emissions, particularly across those generated from hard-to-abate industries, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is increasingly recognised as imperative to achieving net zero.

Offshore CCS projects are spreading across Europe with Norway recently offering two blocks in the North Sea for CO2 storage, and the UK announcing its CCUS Vision, meanwhile, there is a growing pipeline of North American projects centred around the Gulf of Mexico. The IEA estimates we will need to scale storage capacity from 40MT-5,000 MT a year to reach net zero and studies have identified some 13,000 gigatons of untapped CO2 storage capacity beneath the seabed.

But tapping into this will involve overcoming many hurdles, from cost-effectively and securely locating, sealing and re-abandoning legacy wells against CO2 leaks, to drilling new wells and implementing CO2 injection across storage sites of widely varying sizes and depths. Operators also face the challenge of adapting transportation pipes, pressures and flow rates to the unique properties of CO2, not forgetting the need to continuously monitor the integrity and safety of storage sites across their entire lifecycles.

The CO2 storage challenge

Potential CO2 storage sites, such as depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers, are typically scattered with legacy exploration, appraisal or production wells which could pose a potential leak risk depending on the abandonment approach deployed. For example, if zonal isolation across different formations for future CO2 storage was not considered.

Plugging and re-abandoning previously abandoned legacy wells with methods such as drilling a relief well to intersect and re-abandon the legacy well may be infeasible for some shallow formations, or where the well azimuth and depth are unknown. And while excavation may also seem viable, it quickly presents serious safety and technical difficulties. It does nothing to isolate re-abandonment loading from the compromised legacy well. These approaches can incur costs of over £18-20 million and take up to 95 days per well. Both are prohibitively slow and expensive for large sites with multiple wells and will be unsustainable without more cost-effective alternatives.

Operators also face the cost of drilling injection wells and installing CO2 injection platforms across everything from single wells in shallow waters to multiple wells in deeper waters. And once CO2 has been stored, ensuring it remains under the seabed introduces additional costs and requires the complex task of continually monitoring seismic and other events that could cause gas migration and lead to a CO2 leak.

Addressing all these risks in an economical and efficient way will require a unified, circular economy approach, adapting and sharing solutions across multiple applications from well re-abandonment and injection to CO2 monitoring.

A unified, circular approach

Overcoming the many hurdles to CO2 storage entails an unprecedented effort to consolidate and combine resources across all project stages. At the storage stage, it is absolutely vital to eliminate risks and regulatory delays by quickly and efficiently safeguarding storage sites against CO2 leaks. A recent innovation enables multiple wells to be rapidly, costeffectively and safely re-abandoned and sealed using a single re-usable and repeatable solution. The technology harnesses seabed surveying, well imaging, marking and tagging

technologies to precisely locate wells beneath the seabed with centimeter level accuracy.

A specially designed steel frame can then be positioned precisely over the well to enable safe vertical re-entry while a unique movement mechanism allows the frame to be re-adjusted to account for installation tolerances. The frame is designed to provide structural support for all equipment required for intervention and keep the weight of this equipment off the well to avoid damaging any corroded well casings. It also enables rapid installation of an environmental barrier to keep out sediment and debris and a pressure-retaining barrier to secure the well for re-plugging.

The ability to rapidly and safely vertically reenter abandoned wells without excavating or drilling new relief wells could drive 80% cost reductions and over 50% time savings on well abandonment. By redeploying the system across multiple wells, these savings can be replicated without additional investment. The same system could be re-used to repurpose abandoned wells by installing fibre optics and geophones to transform them into monitoring wells to monitor CO2 plume migration within the formation or detect potential leaks before they breach the seabed.

Ben Cannell Innovation Director Aquaterra Energy

CCS platforms

Where a new CO2 injection platform is required, applying the modular lightweight principles pioneered in oil and gas, such as Aquaterra Energy’s Sea Swift provides significant benefits. The Sea Swift platform can be constructed in a range of configurations, from monopiles or conductor supported platforms for up to nine shallow-water wells to jacketed structures injecting up to 15 wells in deeper waters.

Ultimately, a CCS injection platform works a lot like a production platform, just rather than up and out its in and down so we have the basic principles of platform engineering well worked out.

Just as in offshore production, these lightweight, streamlined designs can be built and transported with existing local infrastructure and even installed with the same jack-up rig used to drill injection wells, significantly reducing costs.

Operational costs are also low as the platforms can be designed to be unmanned and self-powered from renewable sources such as wind and solar. If you’re going to the effort and cost of capturing and storing CO2 under the seabed permanently, the significant savings generated from a minimum facilities platform ensures that new emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

In another scenario, where a developer is in the enviable position of having an existing

platform located on a reservoir suitable for CCS, a degree of brownfield engineering may be required to ensure that the platform can be used. This can range from simple changes to the topside equipment configuration to more detailed life extension studies. Aquaterra Energy is currently applying this life extension approach to the Nini platform, which is part of the broader Project Greensand led by INEOS. Project Greensand is a CCS initiative in the Danish North Sea, with a goal to store up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2025 and potentially scale up to 8 million tonnes per year by 2030. We are working with INEOS to repurpose the platform for CO2 injection until 2045 confirming the viability of the structure and guiding the implementation of any necessary modifications to support CO2 injection and long-term storage.

Additionally, cutting edge CO2 monitoring technologies can be used in tandem with new and repurposed platforms to monitor and safeguard storage sites against seismic effects or leaks. Monitoring, measurement and verification systems composed of fibre-optics, advanced monitoring systems and other sensors, alongside autonomous power sources can be deployed at CCS sites to provide early warning of hazards during injection. These sensors can be deployed to monitor wells post injection, enabling remote long-term oversight of potential leaks or tremors across the lifecycle of storage sites, offering end to end assurances against leaks.

Achieving net zero emissions is a critical global goal, with CCS playing a vital role. Offshore hydrocarbon fields, formerly sources of fossil fuels, now offer significant potential for CO2 storage

Unlocking the potential of CO2 storage

Achieving net zero emissions is a critical global goal, with CCS playing a vital role. Offshore hydrocarbon fields, formerly sources of fossil fuels, now offer significant potential for CO2 storage. However, nobody said tapping into this would be easy, and the industry faces challenges such as safety concerns, regulatory issues, and high costs.

Innovative solutions are essential to overcome these obstacles. Advanced techniques for sealing legacy wells, installing efficient CO2 injection platforms, and deploying state-of-theart monitoring systems can make large-scale CCS viable. These innovations combined can reduce costs, enhance safety and speed up project timelines associated with the rollout of CCS at scale. 

Intervention Rentals: Supporting Fluxys’ Gas Storage

Integrity in Belgium with Annulus

Top-Ups / partnership with Geostock

Intervention Rentals continues to solidify its position as a trusted partner in delivering critical services across the energy sector.

Recently, we provided Annulus top-up services for Fluxys in Belgium, a significant step in supporting the energy giant’s mission to ensure the safety and integrity of its extensive gas storage infrastructure.

Precision in Action

Annulus top-ups are vital to maintaining well integrity, ensuring safe and continuous operations, especially in high-pressure environments. At Intervention Rentals, we pride ourselves on delivering these services with unparalleled precision, using advanced technology and highly skilled personnel. For the Fluxys / Geostock project, we deployed our state-of-the-art monitoring equipment (WHITL) to ensure that the top-ups were executed flawlessly, safeguarding the integrity of their gas transmission network.

Innovation and Sustainability at Our Core

As Intervention Rentals grows, we remain committed to incorporating sustainability into everything we do. Fluxys’ long-term vision of

expanding its infrastructure to handle carbonneutral energy sources like hydrogen and biomethane closely aligns with our focus on greener solutions. Through our Sustainable Solutions division, we have embedded eco-friendly practices in every stage of our operations. This project in Belgium exemplifies how our services not only meet immediate needs but also contribute to a broader, environmentally conscious future

We bring years of experience in wellhead services and have worked across various energy landscapes. Whether dealing with traditional oil and gas or renewable energy, our teams are equipped to meet the most stringent safety standards, as demonstrated in our collaboration with Fluxys.

Looking Ahead

Our successful collaboration with Fluxys underscores our commitment to excellence in wellhead services, safety, and sustainability. As the energy sector continues to evolve, Intervention Rentals will remain at the forefront, delivering solutions that not only meet the demands of today but also pave the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future.

To find out more please get in contact with our sales team sales@interventinrentals.com or through our website. 

Our 20 years of traditional energy experience means we are ideally suited to the Geothermal industry. We have operated and excelled in the most challenging environments, from testing, logging wellheads and surface pumping to extremes of temperature and pressure across drilling and production environment, we understand what it means to be tested. Intervention Rentals are ready for Geothermal

Alex Leddy

Commercial Director for Sustainability alexleddy@interventionrentals.com

GEOTHERMAL

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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

IINNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY ZONE

Pushing Boundaries: Unlocking Innovation in Offshore Wind Energy

Offshore wind energy represents a frontier of innovation in renewable power generation, propelling us towards a sustainable future. With its ability to tap into powerful and consistent wind resources far out at sea, offshore wind is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.

n this article, we will explore the remarkable technological advancements and groundbreaking innovations driving the growth of offshore wind energy, highlighting how these developments are shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape accessible to all.

Harnessing the Power of Offshore Winds

Offshore wind energy involves the installation of wind turbines in marine environments, where wind resources are abundant and have higher velocity compared to onshore locations. The unobstructed and consistent winds at sea enable offshore wind farms to generate electricity more reliably. With each passing year, technological advancements in turbine design and installation techniques are unlocking the full potential of offshore wind energy.

Breakthroughs in Turbine Design -

The development of larger and more efficient wind turbines has revolutionized offshore wind energy. Advanced designs with significantly increased rotor diameters and longer blades capture a larger sweep of wind, resulting in enhanced energy yield. This progress has facilitated a remarkable increase in turbine capacity, with individual turbines now exceeding 10 megawatts (MW) and projects featuring multi-megawatt farms becoming commonplace.

Moreover, the implementation of innovative materials, such as advanced composites, has significantly reduced turbine weight while ensuring structural integrity. This reduction in weight enables turbines to capture more energy from the wind, ensuring cost-effective energy production. Additionally, floating platforms have emerged as a viable option for installing turbines in deeper waters, augmenting their deployment possibilities and expanding the offshore wind industry’s potential.

Advancements in Monitoring and Maintenance

To effectively manage and maintain offshore wind farms, advanced monitoring and maintenance techniques have emerged. Satellite-based remote sensing technology enables real-time monitoring of wind resources, supporting optimal turbine positioning and enhancing overall farm productivity. Cutting-edge sensors installed on turbines continuously gather critical data on performance, allowing for early detection of potential issues.

Additionally, predictive maintenance techniques, coupled with machine learning algorithms, analyze data patterns to identify potential equipment failures or degradation in turbine performance. This proactive approach helps schedule maintenance activities, reducing downtime and increasing overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in robotic technology and inspection methods enable cost-effective and accurate inspection of turbines both above and below the waterline, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the offshore assets

Anchoring Economic and Environmental Benefits

Offshore wind energy is a catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Wide-scale deployment of offshore wind farms spurs job creation, attracting skilled workers to the industry and fostering local economic development. Additionally, the offshore wind supply chain represents a significant economic opportunity, attracting investment in manufacturing facilities, ports, and infrastructure.

Embracing offshore wind energy also leads to a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions, combating climate change. It displaces traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and

contributing to clean and sustainable energy systems. Furthermore, offshore wind farms have minimal impact on land use, preserving natural habitats and landscapes.

Addressing Challenges and Future Innovations

While offshore wind energy has witnessed remarkable growth, challenges remain. Technological advancements and economies of scale are vital to drive down the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) further. Continued research and development are necessary to enhance turbine efficiency, reduce material costs, and improve maintenance techniques.

Innovations in foundation design, such as floating platforms and jacket structures, expand the possibilities for turbine placement in various seabed conditions—an important consideration for future offshore wind development.

Moreover, integration with other renewable energy systems, such as energy storage and grid management technologies, addresses the intermittency of wind energy, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery to consumers. Enhanced interconnection between offshore wind farms and onshore transmission systems further strengthens the integration of renewable energy sources into existing grids.

Offshore wind energy is at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, revolutionizing the way we harness natural resources to create clean and sustainable electricity. Technological breakthroughs in turbine design, monitoring and maintenance, along with numerous economic and environmental benefits, are driving the exponential growth of this sector. As we confront the challenges associated with energy transition, the continued pursuit of innovation in offshore wind energy will play a critical role in the global effort to combat climate change and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Dylan Langford MEng (Associate Director - Leyton UK)

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Peterson secures logistics contract for major wind farm project

Peterson Energy Logistics has secured a contract to provide a fully integrated logistics solution for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project through its client GE Vernova.

GE Vernova is supplying the high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system for Sofia, including the Offshore Converter Platform.

Peterson’s teams based at Den Helder in the Netherlands and Lowestoft in the UK will be managing vital elements of the project including cargo runs, stevedoring, helicopter planning and chartering, warehousing, materials management, customs formalities, and the provision of key personnel in support of the installation of the Sofia Offshore Converter Platform for a period of 18 months.

The project will be the first offshore wind farm in UK waters to utilise shared cargo runs from the Netherlands which will enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainability improvements. This model has already been applied successfully to the Hollandse Kust North, South and West projects offshore of the Netherlands.

Peterson has commenced its work following the installation of the jacket and topside.

Steef Ritzema, Managing Director Netherlands at Peterson, said:

“Our integrated logistics services have realised efficiencies for clients throughout the

energy sectors over the past 50 years and we are increasingly applying this expertise and insight to the renewables space as we move through the energy transition.

The ability to provide the full scope of offshore logistics services from both the UK and the Netherlands gives our client maximum flexibility.”

The RWE Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is located 195km off the UK east coast and will have the capacity to produce 1400MW. It is part of the Dogger Bank offshore wind project which will be the world’s largest wind farm.

Peterson, from its Den Helder site, currently provides helicopter logistics services for the installation vessel which is installing the 100 turbines that will feed into the offshore converter platform at the site. Peterson also provides facilities management services at the onshore converter station for the Dogger Bank C and Sofia wind farms, based at Lazenby.

Jason Hendry, Joint Managing Director UK at Peterson, said:

“We are delighted to be in a position to transfer decades of experience in the oil and gas sector to the development of one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world.

“Our logistics model is efficient, sustainable, expert, innovative, and, most importantly, replicable by Peterson for existing and new clients in the offshore wind sector.”

The project will also utilise Peterson’s Lighthouse suite of technology which offers real-time insight and analysis for operational teams and clients. Den Helder will be the hub for the helicopter chartering and planning, with aviation services also being provided from Humberside Airport.

Peterson Energy Logistics is a world-leading, innovative, and highly trusted energy logistics and supply chain solutions company with more than 50 years’ experience in the energy industry.

£10m offshore wind contract success for engineering firm - set to open series of new global offices

A Lisburn-based engineering company has secured contracts worth in excess of £10m with the world’s largest companies in offshore renewable energy.

The contracts will see CASC provide a range of products and services on preassembly sites and manufacturing facilities in the UK, EU, US and Asia for turbine OEM Siemens Gamesa, and blade mould manufacturer Dencam Composites.

To support its export-led growth, the company will establish new offices in Korea, Taiwan, and the east coast of America.

Announcing the contract success during a visit to CASC’s engineering facility in Lisburn, economy minister Conor Murphy said: “This £10m contract is a significant milestone for CASC, showcasing the talent and expertise of our local companies in competing at the highest level on the global stage.

"CASC’s contributions to the renewable energy sector are not only advancing the global green economy but also fostering a more sustainable future for all. “Additionally, they are creating high-quality job opportunities here at home. CASC’s impressive growth, with multiple new global offices in the pipeline, further strengthens its international presence and positions the company as a key player in driving innovation and sustainability on a global scale."

Headquartered in Lisburn, with additional manufacturing facilities in Belfast, CASC said it has delivered on more preassembly projects than anyone else in the world.

Karl Crockard, managing director of CASC, said: “We have worked hard to build our reputation and relationship with leading OEMs in the renewables industry and have been rewarded with a number of significant successes in recent years including this global framework agreement with Siemens Gamesa.

"Since setting up in 2014, we have taken our locally developed skills across the globe. We have been successfully operating throughout the EU, Asia and the USA and are in the process of cementing our position in those markets with permanent offices in Korea, Taiwan and east coast of America.

"This growth has positioned us well to expand our footprint further, including in Northern Ireland, where we anticipate significant growth in the coming years. Invest NI’s support to help us grow and diversify, build capacity and capability, and develop a presence and brand awareness overseas has been a vital component in our success."

CASC is a founding member of the Invest NI-funded Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore network, which brings together representatives from across industry, government and academia to drive growth in the maritime and offshore industry.

John McKibben, Southern regional manager of Invest NI, said: "CASC is one of a number of local companies that are helping to position Northern Ireland as a leading player in the maritime and renewables sectors worldwide.

"The company has benefitted from a range of Invest NI support over the years that has helped it to scale ranging from specialist skills development and IT infrastructure deployment to programmes to help it to grow its exports. Our Trade Accelerator Grant supported the company’s export market development across Europe and Asia Pacific. The contract with Siemens Gamesa is a direct result of attending an Invest NI sponsored trade mission and demonstrates the impact that such activity can have." 

Orsted bags 55MW Irish solar contract

Orsted has secured a contract for a 55MW solar project in the Irish Government’s fourth onshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 4).

Thesolar farm will be built in Ballinrea, located between Carrigaline and Cork City.

Average prices for solar in the RESS 4 auction were €104.76 per MWh.

Orsted has a total of 24 advanced or operational onshore wind and solar projects in Ireland, including two projects that were cleared in 2023 in RESS 3.

TJ Hunter, Director Ireland & UK at Orsted, said: “We are delighted to get approval for Ballinrea Solar Farm as part of the RESS 4 auction and we look forward to taking the project towards commercial operation as early as 2026.

“Solar is the fastest growing energy technology in the world and is a key focus for us here in Ireland, along with onshore and offshore wind farm projects.

“Stable, iterative recurring auctions are a key feature of successful energy markets.

“RESS 3 was challenging as it lacked clarity on price and volume, however RESS 4 gave more transparency on the price cap if not volume, and clear terms and conditions for operators, so we welcome the Government’s progress on this.”

Orsted operates an onshore wind portfolio of 378MW in Ireland and also entered a partnership with ESB in 2023 to jointly develop an Irish offshore wind portfolio and announced a partnership with Terra Solar to develop 400MW of solar. 

Resolving co-location conflicts between offshore wind, oil & gas, and carbon storage

On the 3 May 2024, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) offered 31 licences in the 3rd Tranche of the 33rd Offshore Petroleum Licensing Round.

These included 23 in the Southern North Sea (SNS) and two in the East Irish Sea (EIS) – the first to be awarded in these areas following offers in October 2023 and January 2024 for licences in the West of Shetland, Northern North Sea and Central North Sea. The NSTA stated that there are still remaining applications that might be offered at a later date (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Westwood understands that these licences have specific company issues that are being worked through case by case and will be awarded once issues are resolved. Some operators believe co-location is one of the issues holding up the awards.

The SNS and EIS were already congested due to carbon storage licences lying near to or overlapping offshore wind farm sites. These oil and gas (O&G) licences add to this congestion, creating additional competition for seabed. As a result of this, a new clause, “Relationship with Windfarms”, has been introduced which relates to O&G licence awards that either overlap with offshore wind lease sites or are within 500m of existing wind farms. Under this clause, the O&G licensee must enter into a co-location agreement with the offshore wind lease holder before undertaking any activity.

Figure 1: Map of Overlaps in the SNS Source: Westwood Atlas, WindLogix

Figure 2: Map of Overlaps in the EIS Source: Westwood Atlas, WindLogix

Overlapping issues

Although the addition of this clause is a good first step, further legislation will be required to ensure that overlapping projects do not delay each other. In total, 31 offshore wind projects are overlapping or near either carbon storage or O&G licences in the SNS and EIS. A breakdown of the current status of offshore wind projects in the SNS shows that 11 offshore wind projects are operational, three projects have a status of EPCI and eight have a status of planning. The makeup of projects in the EIS are six operational wind farms and three projects that have a status of planning.

The wind farms that currently have a status of planning (as highlighted in Figure 1 and Figure 2) are the primary projects that will need to navigate any potential issues that may arise due to co-location. Site assessments and construction activities at these wind farm areas may clash with planned activity at the awarded O&G and carbon storage sites, as drilling equipment and pipelines can potentially interfere with the placement and operation of wind turbines. Examples of such overlaps include the Dogger Bank South wind farm being planned in the north of the INEOS-operated Greater Pegasus area, and the Outer Dowsing project which overlaps with the Perenco-operated Olympus discovery, where a firm well is planned. In addition, Norfolk Boreas wind farm overlaps the Orcadian-operated blocks that include the 50/26b-6 Earlham discovery, which it plans to develop as a gas-to-wire project, connected to the wind farm.

Furthermore, co-location clashes may also occur when it comes to operations and maintenance (O&M) activity on an operational wind farm, as marine space will be required for vessels to navigate around the infrastructure that is put in place for O&G and carbon storage projects. Careful marine planning guidance will be required to ensure that all projects can operate without hindrance, reducing the risk of disputes that can delay project development timelines.

We have already witnessed a dispute over an overlapping zone in the SNS between the BP led Northern Endurance carbon capture, usage and storage project and Ørsted’s Hornsea Project Four wind farm, which took two years for the two parties to resolve. The developers of the two projects had entered into an Interface Agreement in 2013, to ‘regulate and co-ordinate their activities with a view to managing potential and resolving actual conflicts’, however the dispute still occurred. It resulted in a five-month delay to the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the wind farm, further highlighting that reliance upon an agreement between parties may not go far enough.

Turning challenges into opportunities

While the spatial overlap in the SNS and EIS poses significant operational challenges, it also opens avenues for innovation and collaboration. Electrification of platforms via wind farms on shared sites could present an alternative route to market for offshore wind projects. Rather than constructing export cables to shore and waiting for grid upgrades to connect wind farms, the developers of the projects highlighted on the map could seek to strike a deal with the O&G licence holder, supplying power to their infrastructure via the wind farms. This would also be advantageous for the O&G developers as power from these wind farms would help them to reduce their production costs and, most importantly, emissions.

Moreover, collaboration between project developers across the overlapping areas could take place by sharing data on the characteristics of the site and potentially utilising the same supply chain companies for similar activities. Geological and geophysical surveys as well as environmental assessments are required for all three types of projects, creating a potential area for these synergies. Furthermore, both wind and O&G projects utilise similar components such as foundations, topsides, and power cables, creating an additional area in which they could co-ordinate on timings for installation activity, contracting the same company to undertake installations for both type of projects across the shared site.

Enhancing efficiency and reducing conflicts

To mitigate conflicts arising from the overlapping use of marine space in the SNS and EIS, it is crucial to implement comprehensive marine spatial planning and enforce stricter regulations beyond the current clause introduced. Promoting collaboration between offshore wind, O&G and carbon storage project developers can enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and streamline operations through shared infrastructure and data. These solutions can ensure that the development of these essential projects proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary delays. In turn, this can help the UK to meet its energy goals while minimising conflicts and maximising the benefits of shared marine resources. 

Bahzad Ayoub, Senior Analyst – Offshore Wind bayoub@westwoodenergy.com

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Navigating Travel Management for Offshore Rigs and Remote Locations

Travel management for the energy sector presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to arranging travel to offshore rigs and remote locations.

These journeys require meticulous planning, extensive risk management, and a deep understanding of the logistical complexities involved. This article explores the critical aspects of managing travel to these challenging destinations and how ATPI Energy Travel excels in providing seamless solutions.

Challenges of Managing Travel for Offshore Rigs and Remote Locations

Travelling to offshore rigs and remote locations in the energy sector involves navigating a series of logistical and safety challenges:

• Complex Itineraries: Coordinating multiple flights, helicopter transfers, and sea transport requires precision and flexibility.

• High-Risk Destinations: Many remote locations are in volatile regions, necessitating thorough risk assessments and robust safety protocols.

• Crew Changes and Rotations: Ensuring smooth and timely crew changes is essential to maintaining operational efficiency and meeting legal requirements.

• Health and Safety: Travellers must be prepared for harsh environments and potential health risks associated with remote locations.

ATPI’s Expertise in Remote Location Travel

ATPI Energy Travel offers specialised services designed to address the unique needs of travel to offshore rigs and remote locations. Here’s how we manage these complex journeys:

• Detailed Itinerary Planning: We coordinate every aspect of travel, from initial flights to final transfers, ensuring seamless transitions and minimising downtime.

• Expertise in High-Risk Regions: Our team conducts comprehensive risk assessments and provides tailored advice to ensure traveller safety in volatile regions.

• Efficient Crew Changes: We manage the logistics of crew rotations, ensuring personnel are transported efficiently and safely to their destinations.

24/7 Support: Our round-the-clock assistance ensures travellers have access to support and can make changes to their plans at any time.

Safety and Risk Management

Ensuring the safety of travellers to remote and high-risk locations is a top priority for ATPI

Energy. Our comprehensive safety and risk management services include:

• Travel Risk Assessments: We evaluate potential risks associated with each destination and provide detailed safety plans to mitigate these risks.

• Emergency Response Services: Our emergency response team is equipped to handle medical evacuations, crisis management, and other urgent situations.

• Health and Safety Protocols: We ensure all travel arrangements comply with health and safety regulations, providing peace of mind for both travellers and employers.

Cost Management Strategies

Effective cost management is crucial for travel to remote locations. ATPI Energy offers several strategies to control and reduce travel expenses:

• Negotiating Special Rates: We leverage our industry connections to secure special rates with airlines, hotels, and other service providers.

• Budgeting Tools: Our detailed budgeting and reporting tools help clients track and manage travel expenses, ensuring transparency and control.

• Optimising Travel Routes: We plan efficient travel routes to minimise costs and reduce the environmental impact of travel.

Technology Solutions for Remote Travel

ATPI Energy Travel utilises advanced technology to enhance the travel experience and streamline travel management processes:

• Travel Management Systems: Our stateof-the-art systems provide real-time data, streamline booking processes, and ensure seamless coordination of travel plans.

• Mobile Solutions: Our mobile apps allow travellers to manage their itineraries, receive updates, and access support services on the go.

Learn More

Managing travel to offshore rigs and remote locations in the energy travel sector requires specialised expertise and meticulous planning. ATPI’s comprehensive services ensure that these complex journeys are handled efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. If your company faces the challenges of remote location travel, contact ATPI today to learn how we can support your travel needs with our expert solutions. 

If you would like to find out how ATPI can help streamline your travel management, email: atpienergytravel@atpi.com

As the leading innovator, we are your competent partner to support you in the challenges brought on by the energy transition. Our technical expertise and a data pool of 40 years’ experience in pipeline industry allow for the best integrity and risk assessments when it comes to introducing future fuels into your asset base. We are at your side for your continued success in a sustainable future. hydrogen.rosen-group.com

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World-class training for the renewable energy sector

3t Training Services (previously AIS Survivex) is the UK’s largest provider of renewables training, with 1 in 5 Global Wind Organisation (GWO) delegates passing through our doors.

3t is one of the most experienced providers of specialist and GWO accredited wind training around the globe. Expert, experienced instructors deliver the full suite of GWO training courses in centre and on-site.

Come and train yourself, or your workforce, at one of 3t’s 8 stateof-the-art training centres located across the UK.

Our training is supported with global training management solutions and the capabilities and experience to deliver bespoke and flexible training to suit your project requirements and timelines.

Helping you plan, stay safe and advance your skill sets within the growing sector. At 3t, there’s no one-size-fits-all to our training and learning solutions. Find out more at 3tglobal.com/training-services