How to choose the optimal location for wind turbines in the North Sea

Thousands of wind turbines will be added to the North Sea in the next decades. Environmental scientist Chen Li identified the most beneficial areas for their construction, focusing on material use, carbon footprint, and impact on the natural environment. His paper was published in Environmental Science & Technology.

The North Sea is sometimes called Europe’s green power plant. It offers enormous potential to generate wind power. By 2020, dozens of wind farms were already producing around 19 GW. EU member states have set much higher ambitions. According to the International Energy Agency, North Sea wind farms could generate as much as 175 GW by 2040.

“The current wind farms are located in rather ideal areas,” says Li, lead author of the paper. However, as the North Sea becomes more densely built with turbines, choosing the right place to put them becomes increasingly difficult. Eventually, a quarter of the total area of the sea will be occupied. That’s where Li’s research comes in.

Larger foundations needed in deeper parts of the North Sea

First, the researcher examined how much material is required in different areas. For example, in deeper parts of the North Sea, turbines require larger foundations. Those require more steel. Building further from the shore means longer cables to connect turbines to populated areas. Those cables are made of copper and aluminum.

Second, Li looked at the carbon footprint generated by wind turbines throughout their lifecycle in different locations: from construction to maintenance and eventual deconstruction. Third, he considered the impact of turbines on biodiversity in protected areas of the North Sea.

Coastal areas in the eastern and northeastern parts are very suitable

According to Li’s findings, some areas are highly suitable for offshore wind farms, particularly coastal areas in the eastern and northeastern North Sea. “Except on the Norwegian side, where even nearshore waters are very deep,” he adds. Floating turbines, which are being developed, could be a future solution there.

The central part of the North Sea is less suitable due to its numerous protected areas, and greater distance from shore. “That leads to higher copper and aluminum demand for cables, and a higher carbon footprint due to the transportation to these areas,” Li says.

Making difficult choices

Li’s research provides a useful tool for developers of offshore wind farms. Considering the huge number of wind turbines needed, countries and developers will also need to consider less ideal locations. For example, they might choose to build in deeper waters (using more materials) to avoid disturbing protected areas, or vice versa. Li’s research can help them make these decisions.

“The paper shows the immense potential to build wind farms more sustainably,” co-author Joeri Morpurgo concludes. “Offshore wind requires enormous investments in materials and space, with potential impacts on biodiversity. We must carefully consider where to build them, given the trade-offs involved.”

Li and Morpurgo are already working on their next paper, applying a similar approach to the Baltic Sea region. They are excited about the project, as more detailed biodiversity data is available for this area. This will allow them to assess impacts and trade-offs in even greater detail.