Perceived concerns and possible management strategies for governing ‘wind farm–mariculture integration’

In offshore waters of the German North Sea multiple stakeholder activity is increasing in both type and intensity. Newcomers such as wind farms make for additional claims and exclude, due to current legal constraints, other sectors, such as traditional fisheries. In this context, integrating marine aquaculture with designated wind farm areas might provide chances to combine two industries in the frame of a multiple-use concept. This paper takes up concerns and possible management framework requirements as expressed through interviews with the wind farm industry and the mussel harvesting sector when inquiring about such a multiple-use setting. The article closes with a discussion on two co-management strategies that might be appropriate for governing potential interacting wind farm–mariculture activities.     

A GIS modelling framework to evaluate marine spatial planning scenarios: Co-location of offshore wind farms and aquaculture in the German EEZ

The concept of co-location of marine areas receives an increased significance in the light of sustainable development in the already heavily used offshore marine realm. Within this study, different spatial co-location scenarios for the coupling of offshore aquacultures and wind farms are evaluated in order to support efficient and sustainable marine spatial management strategies. A Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques were combined to index suitable co-sites in the German exclusive economic zone of the North Sea. The MCE was based on criteria such as temperature, salinity or oxygen. In total, 13 possible aquaculture candidates (seaweed, bivalves, fish and crustaceans) were selected for the scenario configuration. The GIS modelling framework proved to be powerful in defining potential co-location sites. The aquaculture candidate oarweed (Laminaria digitata) revealed the highest suitability scores at 10–20 m depth from April to June, followed by haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) at 20–30 m depth and dulse (Palmaria palmata) and Sea belt (Saccharina latissima) at 0–10 m depth between April and June. In summary, results showed several wind farms were de facto suitable sites for aquaculture since they exhibited high suitability scores for Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems combining fish species, bivalves and seaweeds. The present results illustrate how synergies may be realised between competing needs of both offshore wind energy and offshore IMTA in the German EEZ of the North Sea. This might offer guidance to stakeholders and assist decision-makers in determining the most suitable sites for pilot projects using IMTA techniques.     

Preferences of coastal zone user groups regarding the siting of offshore wind farms

Offshore wind power has a large potential as a vast resource for delivering clean and abundant energy on a global scale. However, the siting of offshore wind farms in the coastal zone has negative effects on the seascape. This might be particularly evident in the case if offshore wind farms are located close to areas with recreational activities in the coastal zone. Extending the analysis from a previous investigation of the preference for reducing visual impacts from offshore wind farms, the present paper utilises the same sample representing the Danish population. Based on the stated preferences from a Choice Experiment in a mail survey the preferences for reducing visual disamenities from offshore wind farms among different types of coastal zone users are compared to the preferences of less frequent users of the coastal zone. The results strongly indicate that in addition people who can see offshore wind farms from their residence, anglers and recreational boaters, i.e. users of the coastal zone, significantly perceive the visual impacts to be more negative compared to people who do not use the coastal area for those specific purposes. Furthermore, the results also indicate that respondents who visit the beach on a frequent basis also have stronger preferences for reducing the visual disamenities, when compared to less frequent visitors. As a consequence, the specific users and frequent visitors of the coastal zone are willing to pay approximately twice as much to have future offshore wind farms moved further away from the coast, when compared to less frequent users and visitors. These results display that, given the wind farms are not located at relative large distance from the shore, the recreational value of the coastal use is potentially jeopardised by visual impacts from offshore wind farms. From an energy planner's point of view, these results are noteworthy, as they – everything else being equal – point towards that potential gains in capital cost (investment, construction and running costs) by locating offshore wind farms at relative close distances from the shore might be outweighed by the visual disamenity costs in coastal areas with a large recreational activity. As such, the optimal location, i.e. distance from the shore, of offshore wind farms might be closer to the coast in areas with little recreational activities compared to coastal areas with a higher level of recreational activities.     

Lessons from stakeholder dialogues on marine aquaculture in offshore wind farms: Perceived potentials,constraints and research gaps

Drawing on a case study in Germany, this contribution explores the practical application of offshore aquaculture within offshore wind farms in view of the different stakeholders involved. Using a transdisciplinary research approach, an understanding of the rationalities and interests among the different involved stakeholder groups was explored. Offshore wind energy is high on the political agenda in Germany. The vast spatial requirements however inherit potential user conflicts with competing, and under current legislation excluded users such as fishermen. Solutions for combining sustainable uses of the same ocean space have thus seen increasing interest within the research community in Germany and in Europe over the past years. This paper was inspired by and presents the outcomes of a stakeholder analysis and in particular a stakeholder workshop. Central focus was placed on academics and private as well as public stakeholders engaged in current research efforts of combining offshore wind farms and aquaculture in the German North Sea. The paper identifies the overall acceptance of such a multi-use scenario in society, opportunities and constraints as perceived by the stakeholders, and key research gaps. The results confirm the assumption that there is a clear need, and also willingness on behalf of the policy makers and the research community, to find sustainable, resource- and space-efficient solutions for combined ocean use.     

Numerical modelling of spatio-temporal variability of growth of Mytilus edulis (L.) and influence of its cultivation on ecosystem functioning

One of the key needs of the aquaculture industry is the implementation of effective management methods to ensure the sustainability, economic viability and minimization of negative impacts on both human and ecosystem well-being. The authors developed a Fortran 90 implementation of the dynamic energy budget (DEB) model for Mytilus edulis. The model has been further developed to include physiological interactions with the ecosystem and coupled to a biogeochemical nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton–detritus (NPZD) model. Phytoplankton and detritus uptakes, oxygen utilisation, CO₂ production, NH₄ excretion, egestion of faeces, and assimilation of food are modelled. A novel approach was derived that accounts for the allocation of C and N in mussel flesh and shell organic fraction. The DEB–NPZD model has been subsequently coupled to a high resolution three dimensional numerical coastal ocean model of the south–west coast of Ireland, where approximately 80% of national rope mussel is produced annually. Simulations have been carried out for the time period July 2010–June 2011, for which the field data on mussel biometrics and ambient seawater properties were collated. The model accurately reproduced the spatio-temporal variability in blue mussel growth. It is also shown that the ecosystem dynamics is affected by the presence of aquaculture farms. The modelling system presented allows for the assessment of the impacts of aquaculture activities on water quality, quantification of the production and ecological carrying capacities and improvement of our understanding of the ecosystem functioning with particular emphasis on interactions between various trophic levels.     

The impact of offshore wind farms on beach recreation demand: Policy intake from an economic study on the Catalan coast

Offshore wind energy development can have major economic implications because of the potential impact on coastal recreation demand – particularly for countries that are characterised by high offshore wind power potential while also being popular tourist destinations. In this context, the impact of offshore wind farm projects on beach recreation demand in Catalonia (Spain) during the 2012 summer season was examined. A combined revealed and stated preference approach, which allows joint modelling of actual and hypothetical demands, was applied. The results demonstrate a significant welfare loss up to €203 million per season. The results further show that the installation of a wind farm mainly will cause a shift in trips to Catalan beaches without wind farms, which implies that the estimated negative economic impacts will occur mostly in areas where wind farms are located. From a political economy point of view, this may call for the design and implementation of re-distributive instruments to offset the negative impacts caused by wind farms.     

Using input–output methods to assess the effects of fishing and aquaculture on a regional economy: The case of Galicia,Spain

This paper uses an input–output model to quantify the socioeconomic impact of fishing and aquaculture on Galicia, one of Spain's most important maritime regions. Results indicate that the carryover effects of these production activities are important for Galicia's economy because they contribute not only to job creation but also to possibilities for obtaining income in other economic sectors. These sectors’ combined production in 2013 was almost a million euros, and that production was estimated to account for nearly 2% of the regional economy's value added and for more than 17,000 full-time jobs. Together these contributions amounted to some €1.7 billion in production and €975 million in value added to other Galician economic activities. At the same time, fishing and aquaculture were responsible for creating the equivalent of more than 14,000 full-time jobs in other economic activities.     

国内外海上风电机组基础结构设计标准浅析

对国内外海上风电机组基础结构设计规范和相关标准进行了对比研究,结合我国海上风电机组基础结构设计开发中遇到的问题,论述海上风电机组基础结构设计中关于安全理念和设计荷载的设计方法和标准;分析对比各国规范对海上风电机组基础结构设计的推荐做法,剖析各国规范的设计理念和方法;比较海上风电机组基础结构与海洋石油平台在设计理念和设计标准方面的异同,并根据海上风电和海洋油气的行业特点,分析海上风电机组基础结构设计规范和海洋石油平台设计规范对于海上风电机组基础结构设计的适用性。在此基础上,基于我国海洋工程技术和海上风电产业的发展水平,提出发展我国海上风电机组基础结构的设计建议,指出我国海上风电开发中应注意和避免发生的问题。     

海上风牧融合的难题与挑战

在海洋战略和清洁能源战略背景下,我国围绕海洋牧场和海上风电开展了规模化建设并取得了巨大成就。但工程成本高昂、海洋生境破碎化和用海冲突等问题日益显著,国内外由此开展了海上风电和海洋牧场融合发展的试点与探索。文章整理分析了国内外相关研究和试点工作,针对海上风牧融合发展的现状以及在经济和政策可行性、选址与规划、鱼种选择、配套设备开发、生态影响评估（噪声、电磁场、底座干扰和重金属迁移等）等方面的难题与挑战提出建议。     

Modeling the decommissioning cost of offshore wind development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

The U.S. government requires renewable energy facilities installed in federal waters provide financial security to help ensure decommissioning obligations are carried out in the event the operator is unable to meet its obligations or goes bankrupt. The size of the bond is determined by the estimated decommissioning cost and is required prior to the approval of construction activities. The purpose of this paper is to develop decommissioning cost estimates for proposed U.S. offshore wind farms. Removal and site clearance cost are estimated across each stage of activity using empirical and hypothetical relations under current technology and market conditions without inflationary adjustment. Preliminary development plans characterize and define the system and serve as model input. A bottom-up approach based on operational stages is developed across removal, transport, processing and disposal activities. Disposal cost is calculated on a per ton basis and is estimated separately for each wind farm component. The model is parameterized with data from four proposed U.S. offshore wind farms and decommissioning costs are found to range from 115,000 to 135,000 $/MW, approximately 3-4% of estimated capital costs.     

Mapping offshore wind resources: synergetic potential of SAR and scatterometer data

An accurate evaluation of the wind potential is needed to assess the economic reliability of an offshore wind project and to site wind farms, which need high-spatial-resolution wind fields with high repetitiveness. A measurement campaign is highly expensive, and the in situ data obtained are insufficient: the data time series are too short, and only defined at a single location. Moreover, the wind-flow models usually used, are unable to accurately extrapolate the data from the mast over the entire area of interest. Fortunately, wind fields at sea can be measured by active spaceborne sensors, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and scatterometer sensors. This paper aims at evaluating the adequacy of wind data from space to the data requirements of the offshore wind industry. The different types of data available from space are described. The temporal sampling of the satellite data is evaluated compared to user needs. The adequacy of this set of information for Weibull-distribution estimation is demonstrated. A study area has been selected to illustrate the approach, namely the French Gulf of Lion area.     

The co-location of offshore windfarms and decapod fisheries in the UK: Constraints and opportunities

The offshore wind sector in the UK is expanding rapidly and is set to occupy significant areas of the coastal zone, making it necessary to explore the potential for co-location with other economic activities. The presence of turbine foundations introduces hard substrates into areas previously dominated by soft sediments, implying that artificial reef effects may occur, with potential benefits for fisheries. This review focuses on the possibilities for locating fisheries for two commercially important decapods, the brown crab Cancer pagurus and the European lobster Homarus gammarus, within offshore wind farms.Existing understanding of habitat use by C. pagurus and H. gammarus suggests that turbine foundations have the potential to act as artificial reefs, although the responses of these species to noise and electromagnetic fields are poorly understood. Offshore wind farm monitoring programmes provide very limited information, but do suggest that adult C. pagurus associate with turbine foundations, which may also serve as nursery areas. There was insufficient deployment and monitoring of rock armouring to draw conclusions about the association of H. gammarus with offshore wind farm foundations. The limited information currently available demonstrates the need for further research into the ecological and socio-economic issues surrounding fishery co-location potential.     

Co-location of activities and designations: A means of solving or creating problems in marine spatial planning?

Worldwide demand for energy is growing and predicted to increase by up to three times by 2050. Renewable energy will play a vital role in meeting this demand whilst maintaining global climate change targets. Around the British Isles, development of wind farms has entered Round three, with large, high capacity wind parks being planned to enhance energy security and achieve 2020 renewable energy targets. Such developments place additional pressure on existing sea space and may result in conflicts with other marine activities and users. Co-location of certain activities, marine protected areas, aquaculture and commercial fishing in particular, has therefore been proposed as an option to ease demands on space. Using the UK guided by EU and regional policy, as a case study, following the criteria-based planning system, co-location is legally feasible. Crucially, co-location options will depend on site specific characteristics and site management plans. The biology, ecology and hydrology of the site as well as consideration of important commercial and economic factors will be determining factors of success. For marine protected areas compatibility with conservation objectives for the site will be fundamental. Where possible, it is suggested that activities suitable for co-location will develop in tandem with renewable energy projects. The importance of developing joint projects in this manner is particularly true for aquaculture projects to ensure tenure security and commercial viability. Adaptive management will be a basis for evolution of the concept and practice of co-location. Pilot projects and continued monitoring will be essential in shaping the future of co-location of activities. As the Marine Management Organisation continues the development of marine plans for the English inshore and offshore waters, a study into potential solutions for resolving sea use conflicts is timely. This paper therefore provides a concise overview of the current regulation affecting co-location of key marine activities within wind farm zones and provides suggestions on how co-location projects can be adopted and taken forward, using the UK as a case study.     

Offshore wind capital cost estimation in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf—A reference class approach

Offshore wind power developed rapidly in Northern Europe in the first decade of the 21st century and is expected to spread to Southern Europe, North America and Asia before 2020. To date, no projects have been built offshore North America because of the high development costs and economic risk and uncertain profitability. The purpose of this paper is to review the development cost of constructing offshore wind farms to inform the U.S. market. The capital expenditures of a reference class of 18 European wind farms constructed after 2005 with monopile foundations are normalized to proxy U.S. capital cost. Regression models are developed to investigate the physical features that influence expenditures. U.S. capital costs are expected to range between $4 and $5.6 million/MW for projects built between 2012 and 2015. Capital costs increase with increasing water depth and steel prices. For most farm components, capital expenditures are expected to be similar in Europe and the U.S., but the installation markets differ and this may impact the reliability of the reference class approach.     

A Crashworthy Device Against Ship-OWT Collision and Its Protection Effects on the Tower of Offshore Wind Farms

At present,more and more offshore wind farms have been built and numerous projects are on the drawing tables.Therefore,the study on the safety of collision between ships and offshore wind turbines (OWT) is of great practical significance.The present study takes the advantage of the famous LS-DYNA explicit code to simulate the dynamic process of the collision between a typical 3MW offshore wind turbine model with monopile foundation and a simplified 2000t-class ship model.In the simulation,the added mass eff...     

典型海上升压站地震储备承载系数研究

海上升压站是海上风电场中不可或缺的组成部分,其结构型式与传统的海上油气平台有所差异,完全套用现有抗震分析方法可能使结构设计不经济。由于地质条件特点不同,国外海上风电场鲜有位于高地震烈度区的案例,因此当前有关海上升压站抗震设计的理论和经验也不充分。针对我国首个位于高地震烈度区内的海上升压站,建立精细化有限元模型,利用非线性静力推覆分析方法,并结合敏感性分析结果与工程实际情况给出其地震储备承载系数的合理化取值,为今后典型海上升压站的抗震设计提供参考与借鉴。     

海上风电场基础结构设计综述

针对我国海上风电场开发建设的现状和发展趋势,结合海上风电场基础结构设计研发现状和存在的问题,探讨海上风电场基础结构设计的关键问题——设计理念、设计方法和设计标准等,分析海上风电场基础结构的结构、荷载和服役特点,分析海上风电场基础结构与水工结构和海洋石油平台设计的异同。并根据海上风电和海洋石油的行业特点,分析API规范和DNV规范对于海上风电场基础结构设计的适用性,阐述了海上风电场基础结构设计的特殊性、荷载取值和参考标准等问题。基于我国海洋工程技术发展水平和海上风电产业的发展趋势,提出发展适合我国国情的海上风电场基础结构型式及设计,指出我国海上风电产业发展应注意和避免发生的问题。     

海上风电基础结构研究现状及发展趋势

对国外海上风电机组基础结构的研究与工程应用现状进行了较为详尽地分析,重点对我国海上风电场开发建设有借鉴意义的重力式结构、单桩结构、三角架结构和导管架结构进行了分析论述.基于我国海洋工程技术水平和海上风电产业发展的动态,分析发展适合我国国情的海上风电机组基础结构的可行性及必要性,提出我国海上风电产业发展所面临的挑战.     

HDPE深水网箱抗风浪流性能的海区验证试验

对HDPE深水网箱2000～2004年间的抗风浪流性能进行了海区验证试验.通过对HDPE深水网箱扶栏、框架、网具以及固泊系统受损率的统计,根据扶栏、框架、网具以及固泊系统在整个深水网系统中的重要程度,分别给予一定的权重统计出深水网箱的整体受损率,能比较客观地反映深水网箱的抗风浪流性能.海区验证试验结果表明,HDPE深水网箱抗风力达35 m/s、抗浪高6 m、抗流速1.0 m/s,与其设计参数基本相同.同时,为了增加HDPE深水网箱的抗风浪流性能,建议扶手管从110 mm改为125 mm、主浮管从250 mm改为300 mm、扶栏高度从1 m降低为0.8 m或0.6 m.风力主要影响扶栏系统,流速主要影响网具系统,而波浪对HDPE圆形浮式深水网箱的框架、网具、固泊系统以及网箱整体结构均有明显影响.