UK scientists investigate impact of offshore wind farms on seabed

Scientists have taken samples from the seabed at one of the oldest active offshore wind farms in the UK.

The project, led by the University of Essex, will investigate the impact of turbines on the seabed environment, in the context of plans to build thousands more turbines to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Samples taken from between 50 metres and 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the turbines are currently being analysed and the results will be published shortly.

Scientists hired a private research vessel to conduct an expedition to the site off the coast of Cumbria.

The operational wind farm, which has been operating for more than 15 years and is one of the oldest offshore wind farms in the UK, is operated by Danish energy company Ørsted.

Natalie Hicks, from the University of Essex’s school of life sciences, said the research was “hugely important”.

“We do not have enough specialist science vessels to collect evidence in time, so collaboration with industry is crucial to gather data,” she added.

“We know that our demand for net zero energy targets means we have seen an increase in the number of offshore wind farms, so we urgently need to understand what environmental impacts these wind farms have.

“We hope that the results of our research will be directly reflected in political decision-making regarding the issuing of permits for offshore wind energy.

“We know we will see an increase in the use of offshore wind energy, so policymakers will need to make timely and evidence-based decisions.

“We hope this learning will inform their decision-making and influence government policy.”

The team took samples from the seabed and hopes to discover how the turbines might affect biodiversity, carbon storage and seabed composition.

The research is being carried out in partnership with Ørsted, the University of St Andrews and government marine experts, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

A CEFAS spokesman said that “scientific understanding of offshore structures and their impact on the environment is crucial.”

“Too often we make assumptions about what is happening in our marine environment when we consider human activity; we need the type of research activity outlined here to establish whether our assumptions are correct and to make our understanding more reliable,” the spokesman said.

“This increased confidence is an essential part of the integrated scientific understanding needed to make informed decisions to ensure the long-term future of our marine environment.”

Ocean scientists will also compare the effects of decommissioning oil platforms to get a picture of the differential impacts of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.

David Paterson, from the University of St Andrews, said: “It is important that we take the lessons learned from the oil and gas industry about the environmental impacts of oil and gas operations and their decommissioning and apply them effectively to the offshore wind industry as projects move into their later life stages.”

A spokesperson for Orsted said: “The development of renewable energy sources in harmony with nature is possible and necessary to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Collaborations with academic institutions and other stakeholders aim to help develop broader scientific knowledge about the potential ecological benefits and environmental impacts of green energy projects.

“With a science-based approach, we can ensure that renewable energy such as offshore wind continues to be deployed in a sensitive and sustainable manner.” — PA Media/dpa