A Roadmap for Offshore Wind Environmental Monitoring

Snapshot

NOC Innovations delivered a comprehensive roadmap to enhance ocean observation efforts, addressing knowledge gaps around the environmental impacts of expanding offshore wind developments particularly into deeper, stratified, waters. This initiative, commissioned by the Scottish Government, is set to play a pivotal role in supporting Scotland's ambitious net-zero targets and the significant expansion of offshore wind capacity.

The client

Our client, the Scottish Government, aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and add at least 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity capacity by 2030. As part of their Scottish Marine Energy Research (ScotMER) Programme, the government sought expert guidance to ensure sustainable offshore wind development that balances renewable energy goals with marine ecosystem protection.

The problem and the goal

Scotland’s offshore wind sector is poised for exponential growth, with a significant proportion involving floating offshore wind farms in deeper, more complex waters. However, critical knowledge gaps exist regarding the environmental impacts of such developments, including effects on water column structure, seasonal variability, and marine ecosystems. The goal was to develop a clear and actionable roadmap to inform sustainable planning, monitoring, and long-term management of offshore wind projects.

The solution and the results

Harnessing its expertise in environmental monitoring and marine observation, NOC Innovations delivered the Scoping an Offshore Wind Sustained Observation Programme report. Key aspects of the solution included:

• Comprehensive review: Analysing existing data on the environmental characteristics of UK waters, including stratification and water column stability.
• Recommendations for monitoring: Proposing Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) to establish baselines, scope ongoing monitoring and inform models.
• Innovative tools and models: Highlighting the importance of computer model simulations built on validated data to predict cumulative environmental impacts.

• Data integration: Recommendations for integrating regional and site-specific cross-stakeholder data using diverse monitoring platforms, including remote systems.
• Strategic planning: A foundation for assessing cumulative impacts of fixed and floating offshore wind projects in deeper waters.
• Policy alignment: The roadmap aligns Scotland’s offshore wind expansion goals with robust environmental safeguards, ensuring a sustainable approach to renewable energy growth.

Conclusion

NOC Innovations’ roadmap marks a significant step toward understanding and mitigating the potential environmental impacts of offshore wind developments in deeper, stratified, waters. By addressing knowledge gaps and providing strategic recommendations, the project supports Scotland’s dual objectives of achieving net-zero emissions and protecting marine ecosystems. The approach underscores the importance of industry, regulator and academic collaboration, advanced modelling, and integrated monitoring in driving sustainable energy transitions.