Ground investigation for floating wind turbines
A DNV Joint Industry Project
Focussing on pragmatic approaches to site investigation and ground modelling.
Challenge
Floating wind is ramping up to commercial scale projects globally with mid range estimates of 8 GW to be installed by 2030 with 10-20 MW floating turbines and 3-5 anchors per turbine that is 4,000-12,000 anchors to be installed by 2030!
To facilitate the rapid expansion of anchors it is expected that there will be a move away from location specific site investigate of one per anchor, and a move to Environmental Class design as described in DNV’s standard DNV-ST-0119.
The question DNV is often asked is “what type of and how much site investigation is needed to produce reliable, certifiable and installable anchoring designs using Environmental Classes for floating wind turbines?”
Solution
DNV is tackling this challenge by joining forces with major industry partners to work towards a new Recommended Practice to answer this question.
The focus will be on pragmatic approaches to site investigation and ground modelling, that align with project timelines and ensure adequate knowledge of the ground conditions to facilitate reliable anchor design, and de-risk installation.
The result will be a Recommended Practice document that provides clear guidance on the expectations for the project to achieve Site Conditions Assessment Certification, and guidance on outstanding risks and mitigations.
Benefits
- Enables projects to move away from anchor location specific geotechnical site investigation resulting in time and cost savings
- Published Recommended Practice brings transparency and standardization of expectations to supply chain and stakeholders
- Considers project pressures to achieving industry aims.
Value
- Reduces risks for large scale deployment of commercial offshore wind
- Provides confidence to decision makers and investors that reduced site investors will result in certifiable project.
Partners
DNV is looking for engagement from developers and industry stakeholders to participate in this focused Joint Industry Project.
Duration
The project will run in 2023 and 2024.