Wind Farms

- Expertise
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Language / Taal -
- Expertise
Offshore
Yorick Broekema, offshore wind expert
Whereas initially the focus was on cost reduction to make offshore wind energy affordable, estimating and reducing the impact of wind farms on ecology are increasingly higher on the agenda. This also applies to Deltares. Where we see opportunities for sustainability, we go for it. Think of both enabling more silent installation methods, facilitating nature-inclusive design of foundations and sustainable decommissioning of the foundation at the end of its life span. Integrated approach through expertise from various disciplines
Deltares plays a role in the various phases - from decision making to wind farm design and construction - because we can offer expertise from a variety of disciplines. We link geological, geotechnical, hydrodynamic, morphological and ecological knowledge with socio-economic issues concerning spatial planning and the creation of support among stakeholders. We can thus contribute to the development of wind farms on both a system-scale and a very high level of detail.
For wind farms that are installed offshore, we conduct research in several phases during the design process to determine the hydrodynamic conditions under which they can be built. These conditions are different for each location, so this must always be carefully examined. We carry out extensive tests in our own testing facilities to model the processes related to hydraulics and seabed, such as foundation soil and how to protect against it.
In addition, we conduct research and advise the parties to reduce the risk of damage to cables and piping and thus reduce costs. We examine the effects of flow and waves on innovative concepts such as the integration of nature-including design concepts in the design of the foundation. Together with industry, but also with other knowledge institutes and universities, we actively think about how we can achi...