To identify optimal solutions for scour protection in offshore wind energy infrastructure, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a US government agency which focuses on environmental protection and offshore energy, is conducting a study that analyzes the efficacy of various innovative marine infrastructure suggested for cable and scour protection around offshore wind energy structures.
BOEM is evaluating ECOncrete’s scour protection concrete, as well four alternative solutions to nature-positive marine construction. These materials are being tested to stimulate fish habitats adjacent to the energy facilities. They must stabilize the structures, as well as accommodate the local ecology. Marine life and habitat growth is being closely monitored from 2022 – 2026.
ECOncrete Nature Inclusive Scour Protection about to be deployed in the water (image courtesy BOEM)
The study is underway at the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Facility and BOEM will compare the results with standard cable protection materials presently in use at the Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island. We are looking forward to the results of the study.
Research like this is critical, as it underpins the fact that regulations are needed to outline and quantify how concrete should perform both structurally and environmentally. It is necessary that marine construction is addressing both the economical and industrial requirements as well as the environmental concerns.
Find out more:
– Long Island Sound ECOncrete Cable Protection
– Vineyard Wind Cable Protection
All images in this post are courtesy of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, used under license