Ørsted Introduces Revolutionary Low-Noise Technology for Offshore Wind Foundations

(IN BRIEF) Ørsted, a leader in offshore wind energy, has unveiled a groundbreaking low-noise installation method for monopile foundations at the Gode Wind 3 wind farm in Germany. This innovative technology, successfully tested on three monopiles, utilizes a patented jetting system to significantly reduce underwater noise during installation, marking a milestone in the offshore wind industry. With noise levels decreased by over 99%, this method promises not only environmental benefits but also cost efficiencies and faster deployment. Ørsted plans to further develop and scale this technology, aiming to revolutionize offshore wind foundation installations globally while enhancing its commitment to sustainability and marine conservation.

(PRESS RELEASE) FREDERICIA, 12-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Ørsted’s innovative lower-noise installation method for offshore wind foundations is setting a new standard for the industry. Successfully tested in Germany, this breakthrough technology significantly reduces noise during foundation installations, enhancing marine life protections and promising a new era for offshore wind projects.

This pioneering approach was applied at the Gode Wind 3 offshore wind farm in Germany, where three monopile foundations were installed using the novel technology. The method employs a patented jetting system that lowers the resistance of sandy soil, allowing foundations to sink into the seabed without traditional pile driving. This has resulted in a remarkable noise reduction of 34 decibels, cutting noise levels by over 99% compared to conventional methods, and bringing them just above ambient noise levels in the German Bight of the North Sea.

Patrick Harnett, Ørsted’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, highlights the significance of this advancement: “Ørsted has been at the forefront of offshore wind innovation and marine protections for 30 years, and we continue to push the envelope on new innovative solutions. This new technology is a potential game changer for how we build offshore wind. Once industrialised, it could not only be cheaper, faster, and far quieter – without additional mitigation – than any other monopile installation technology, it also has the potential to make next-generation foundations lighter as they won’t need to be designed for conventional installation process.”

The successful deployment at Gode Wind 3, carried out in collaboration with Jan De Nul Group and contractor Aarsleff, marks the first time jetting technology has been used for full-size monopile foundation installations. Ørsted is now exploring the feasibility of this method in more complex ground conditions and seeking regulatory approvals for global application.

Ørsted’s commitment to innovation extends beyond noise reduction. The company has been a leader in offshore wind advancements, from deploying autonomous vessels for offshore surveys to testing large drones for cargo transport to wind turbines. Their in-house R&D team, in collaboration with over 50 universities and research institutes, is continuously working on more than 300 projects to push the boundaries of renewable energy technology.

This new installation method not only represents a significant step forward in marine life protection and cost-effective construction but also aligns with Ørsted’s mission to make green energy more affordable, reliable, efficient, and sustainable. The successful implementation at Gode Wind 3, supported by subsidies from the German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) under the Offshore Wind Energy Act, underscores Ørsted’s leadership in driving innovation in the offshore wind sector.

About Ørsted
The Ørsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, renewable hydrogen and green fuels facilities, and bioenergy plants. Ørsted is recognised on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and was the first energy company in the world to have its science-based net-zero emissions target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs approx. 8,900 people. Ørsted’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2023, the group’s revenue was DKK 79.3 billion (EUR 10.6 billion). Visit orsted.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Media Contact:

Ørsted Global Media Relations:
Kathrine Ejlskov
+45 99 55 10 23
katej@orsted.com

Ørsted Germany Media Relations:
Steffen Kück
+49 173 151 9276
steku@orsted.com

SOURCE: Ørsted A/S