TenneT, in collaboration with contractor Equans/Smulders, has positioned a number of synthetic reefs close to the offshore transformer platform Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) to realize additional information about nature-inclusive development.
This offshore transformer platform will join the Ecowende (Shell/Eneco) consortium wind farm to the excessive voltage grid. The purpose is to construct this wind farm with a wholesome ecosystem and as little impression on nature as doable. The substitute reefs are a part of a collection of ecological measures by TenneT to observe and encourage nature round offshore wind farms.
By 2050, vitality manufacturing should be fully climate-neutral. One of many important pillars to realize this objective is offshore wind vitality and the North Sea is changing into our important energy plant. Nonetheless, all this infrastructure could have an effect on the ecology of the North Sea. Saskia Jaarsma, head of offshore growth at TenneT: “We’re conscious of the potential impression on the North Sea. That’s why we pay a variety of consideration in researching what occurs underwater. The set up of synthetic reefs is one other step in researching, monitoring and stimulating marine life.”
Nature-friendly recycled materials
To seek out out which type works greatest, two forms of synthetic reefs have been positioned close to the Hollandse Kust west alpha jacket, positioned about 50 kilometers off the coast of Egmond aan Zee. Earlier, comparable buildings have been positioned on the TenneT platform at Hollandse Kust Noord. Six reef cubes are hooked up to at least one body. Hole sq. blocks fabricated from nature-friendly recycled materials with spherical holes within the partitions. On the opposite metal body are six reef balls, an identical construction however within the form of a ball. “These synthetic reef buildings are supposed to stimulate marine life. With these, you create potential spots the place coral and algae settle. Earlier analysis reveals that fish, crabs and lobsters like to go to these spots for shelter and to search for meals,” says Annemiek Hermans. As a marine biologist, she advises TenneT on nature-inclusive development at sea.
Safety for younger fish
The purpose of the trial is to research which form – ball or dice – works greatest within the waters off our coast. The hollows present safety for younger fish, however are additionally meant to extend the construction’s bonding floor. “On this approach, we hope to supply an appropriate place for quite a few different animal and plant species along with juvenile fish, crabs and lobsters,” Hermans stated. As a marine researcher, Hermans welcomes the same initiatives being taken from the wind trade. Jaarsma:
“Solely on this approach are you able to achieve the mandatory information and expertise to construct nature-inclusively. In any other case you by no means discover out what the success fee of a measure is. These pilots are comparatively intensive to understand, however of nice worth for ecology. For instance, the primary results of the ecological cable crossings at wind farm Hollandse Kust zuid are already surprisingly good, we see a variety of life creating there.”
Duty for every little thing that lives within the North Sea
Hermans: “With the agency ambition for offshore wind, it’s greater than comprehensible that there are issues concerning the ecological results. In any case, that roll-out comes with nice accountability for every little thing that lives in our North Sea. Gathering information shortly as we’re used to lately is sadly not going to work as a result of nature won’t be rushed in its growth.”
Range of life types
Hermans expects that it takes as much as three years to see clearly seen variations. “Till then, we monitor yearly whether or not the range of life types across the synthetic reefs and fish resorts will increase. Fish lose scales and cells, for instance, and feces additionally find yourself within the water. By studying DNA in water samples, you will discover out fairly shortly which visitors have checked in.”
Examine, monitor and maintain experimenting
Jaarsma: “Quite a few measures to stimulate marine life, such because the fish resorts on our jackets, at the moment are customary at TenneT’s offshore property, whereas we all the time maintain an eye fixed out for innovation. We assess new nature-enhancing proposals on technical feasibility, impression on planning, nature and on prices and dangers. We monitor all measures for ecological success, to be able to study extra about what works nicely and what doesn’t. We proceed to experiment on this and alternate our information with all stakeholders within the North Sea, in order that the entire sector can contribute to stimulating ecology round offshore wind farms.” Supply: TenneT
