The ‘Living Windfarms Project’ is a £750,000 project, part funded by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), exploring commercialised production of artificial reef units and full-scale pilot studies testing Nature Inclusive Design.

The growth of wind

The growth of offshore wind is key to many nations’ carbon neutrality targets. For example, the UK is targeting 50GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. Similarly, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark plan to build 150 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in the North Sea to help achieve the EU's climate goals.

A diagram showing the impact of current movement around a fixed object in underwater environments, and the scouring that can occur

The need for scour protection

Scour refers to the erosion of the sediments that surround the base or support structures for manmade infrastructure. Scour can occur around turbine bases and cable crossings where fast moving water removes the surrounding sediment, undermining the stability of these crucial structures.

eco-friendly scour protection

In order to prevent damage to offshore wind turbine foundations and cable route infrastructure, scour protection is required. Traditional methods of providing scour protection such as rock dumping or use of plastic fronds neglect considerations about their impacts on sea floor ecology. Through the use of Nature Inclusive Design, windfarm foundations can play a role in supporting the health of our oceans by mimicking natural reef systems, forming havens for wildlife whilst providing effective scour protection.

exoreefs

Manufactured by Exo Engineering, ExoReef units are designed to increase subtidal marine biodiversity as part of the scour protection for windfarm pylons and cable routes. This is achieved by increasing surface complexity using Greening the Grey® technology, creating variable environmental conditions and micro habitats which leads to greater colonisation and biodiversity. Holes and crevasses offer further habitats in the form of shelter for fish and other marine life.

ExoReefs use GeoBlock® technology, an innovative method which incorporates recycled materials into our products. In this way, we can turn dredged sediment or by-products from the quarrying and construction sectors into viable, habitat-enhancing products. Each unit can contain up to 90% recycled by-products when compared to conventional concrete.

production and deployment innovation

Exo Engineering have been exploring various methods for deploying our artificial reefs, comparing efficiency and cost to industry standards. By reducing cost, Nature Inclusive scour protection will become a more viable option for windfarm installers, operators, and contractors as a means to achieve biodiversity gain at offshore wind farms.