Joint Industry Project Launches to Create Nature-Friendly Offshore Wind Farms

November 25, 2024, by Adnan Memija

Wood Thilsted has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with multiple industry and research institutions to jointly advance nature inclusivity in offshore wind farm design.

The Joint Industry Project (JIP) aims to explore and redefine what it means to create offshore wind farms that positively impact natural ecosystems throughout their lifecycle.

The JIP will explore nature inclusivity at every phase of wind farm development, from initial planning and construction to decommissioning, considering the full scope of a wind farm – from turbines to onshore substations.

By integrating innovative environmental design and operational practices, the project seeks to make positive contributions to biodiversity, supporting marine and coastal ecosystems throughout a project’s lifespan, according to Wood Thilsted.

“As well as the race to net zero, there’s an equally pressing need for nature recovery and ecosystem restoration,” said Danny Bonnett, Wood Thilsted’s Director of Sustainability and Chair of the JIP.

“It’s no longer enough to merely minimise harm; we must move towards creating measurable, positive impacts on biodiversity and natural systems. This project is a crucial step toward integrating regenerative principles into offshore wind farm design.”

Companies from various sectors of the offshore wind value chain and engineering have shown interest in becoming founding members of the JIP, with COWI and NIRAS already on board.

“The strength of this initiative lies in collective insight and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tackling the twin challenges of climate and nature loss is a generational challenge that demands a globally coordinated response. The more expertise we bring to the table, the stronger our solutions will be,” said Bonnett.