Offshore charging for both battery-powered crew transfer and service operation vessels could be on the horizon for windfarms of the future, according to our study commissioned by leading green energy company, ScottishPower Renewables.
Our report is part of a three report series commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to explore options for decarbonising and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from offshore windfarm operations.
The studies consolidated initial findings that the electrification of offshore operations was technically feasible using battery-powered Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs), which stay out at sea for extended periods.
They also looked at the potential to decarbonise offshore operations using electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs) that could be used for windfarms located closer to shore, with findings confirming that it is technically and operationally feasible.
In both scenarios, windfarms would also benefit environmentally and economically, with a significant reduction in both GHG emissions as well as annual fuel costs.
The Oasis Marine study identified that, using electric CTVs enabled by installing Oasis Power Buoys in the windfarm, provides protection from volatile fossil fuel price and the high costs of alternative green fuels; enabling costs to be predictable and in line with the operator’s business model. Its findings were based on the use of three electric CTVs instead of diesel-fuelled vessels at a case study windfarm. The study identified potential savings of 140,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the windfarm’s anticipated 25-year lifetime as well as fuel saving costs of around £15 million.
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore, said: “These latest studies take us one step closer to a new era for offshore windfarm operations, with feasible technological solutions that could revolutionise the industry not just here in the UK, but right across the globe.
The valuable depth and insight this research offers on the value and impact of offshore charging – regardless of whether you have an SOV or CTV operating model – will help inform future considerations as we continue to build the green generation the country needs to meet the expected doubling of electricity demand.”
George Smith, Chief Technical Officer of Oasis Marine, said: “We’re pleased to have worked with ScottishPower Renewables to conduct this study into the technical and operational feasibility of installing Oasis Power Buoy as an offshore charging solution in one of their wind farms. The study has concluded that the operations and maintenance activities of windfarms can be conducted by electric vessels. This is not only feasible but can deliver strong environmental and economic benefits. The report summarises and generalises the findings and gives an excellent snapshot of where Oasis Marine’ offshore charging technology is today and the potential emission and cost savings it unlocks.”
The findings are being shared through the Operation Zero initiative, which was launched at COP26 in Glasgow and brings together developers and supply chain companies committed to making zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels a reality.
Leo Hambro from the Operation Zero Steering Committee added: “It’s great to see developers and the supply chain working together to develop the solutions and best practice that will be a game changer for the industry as a whole. Through studies like these, we will be able to learn, innovate and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vessels and technologies to achieve a sustainable maritime future.”
Read the Oasis Marine report here: www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/userfiles/file/Oasis%20Marine-SPR-Operation-Zero.pdf
