Leading offshore wind developer swings firmly behind offshore charging

The studies – by MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine – are the last in a series of three commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables to explore options for decarbonising and reducing greenhouse gas 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 (SOVs).

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 it is technically and operationally feasible.

In both scenarios, windfarms would also benefit environmentally and economically, with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as fuel costs.

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-emissions operations and maintenance vessels a reality.

ScottishPower Renewables managing director offshore Ross Ovens said, “These latest studies have the potential to help the industry take a step closer to a new era for offshore windfarm operations – not just here in the UK, but around the world.

“The valuable depth and insight this research offers – regardless of whether you’re considering an SOV or CTV – could help inform future windfarm operations as the country continues to build the green generation we need to meet the expected doubling of electricity demand.”

The MJR study found that electrical solutions are particularly suitable for offshore wind operations, due to the possibility of regular charging from windfarms and from the shore. It also identified that electric operation and maintenance vessels will become cheaper than marine gas oil (MGO) alternatives in the next few years, with operating expenses already competitive with MGO-powered equivalents for SOVs, and fully competitive for CTVs in a couple of years.

The Oasis Marine study identified that using electric CTVs, enabled by installing Oasis Power Buoys in windfarms, provides protection from volatile fossil fuel prices 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 and fuel saving costs of around £15.0M (US$20.4M) over a windfarm’s anticipated 25-year lifetime.

Oasis Marine chief technical officer George Smith said, “The study 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.”