Where are offshore wind projects and how are they designed?
We have the opportunity to generate a significant amount of clean energy with offshore wind turbines. But just how do we get that power to the shore so we can use it?
In Australia, there are a number of offshore wind projects being planned. Development of these projects is coordinated by the Australian Federal Government. The timing and location of the projects is being released in a controlled sequence around Australia. Declared Areas are being created so offshore wind developers are able to undertake environmental studies, assess the feasibility of their projects, and arrange the supply chain needed for their projects. A well-known project in Australia is the Star of the South in Gippsland, Victoria.
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Projects on the horizon
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There are two main types of wind turbines. Fixed-bottom turbines are attached to the seabed by a fixed foundation, up to depths of around 50 metres. Floating turbines float on a pontoon and are used in deeper waters where fixed-bottom foundations are not feasible.
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Types of turbines
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The number of wind turbines in each offshore windfarm can vary significantly. The turbines are arranged in an ‘array’, where more than 100 turbines can be installed. They are connected to a generator which creates electricity. The turbines are of different sizes and produce different amounts of power, which dictates the number of turbines needed in each windfarm project. The power output of offshore wind turbines is increasing, meaning less turbines are needed.
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Size of windfarms
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Offshore wind turbines require thousands of kilograms of rare earth minerals. These include copper, nickel, manganese, chromium, zinc, and more. If we hope to increase our offshore wind power production, we must extract these minerals and metals from the earth.
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Mined materials needed
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Offshore wind projects in Australia will be located in Australian Commonwealth Waters, at least 3 nautical miles (or approximately 6 kilometres) from the coast. However, the offshore wind developers and governments are conscious of the visual impact and potential loss of amenity these projects can create for communities. That’s why the project locations are generally planned 15km-30km off the coast, positioned in areas where there are stronger winds and less chance of interruption to fishing, shipping and other activities.
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Location of offshore wind projects
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Offshore wind projects in Australia will be located in Australian Commonwealth Waters, at least 3 nautical miles (or approximately 6 kilometres) from the coast. However, the offshore wind developers and governments are conscious of the visual impact and potential loss of amenity these projects can create for communities. That’s why the project locations are generally planned 15km-30km off the coast, positioned in areas where there are stronger winds and less chance of interruption to fishing, shipping and other activities.
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Location of offshore wind projects
Subhead
Offshore wind projects in Australia will be located in Australian Commonwealth Waters, at least 3 nautical miles (or approximately 6 kilometres) from the coast. However, the offshore wind developers and governments are conscious of the visual impact and potential loss of amenity these projects can create for communities. That’s why the project locations are generally planned 15km-30km off the coast, positioned in areas where there are stronger winds and less chance of interruption to fishing, shipping and other activities.
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Location of offshore wind projects
How are the offshore wind projects connected to the shore?
So, the cables finally reach the shore. But what happens next? How do we get the energy into the grid?
Cables are typically installed using a hydroplow—a machine opens a trench with water jets and installs the cable at the same time. The cables are placed about six feet deep. This protects the cables from other marine activities like fishing.
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Cable burial
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The offshore cable route needs to be selected based on the most efficient routing, seabed conditions, marine traffic, and other offshore infrastructure. Environmental and marine life constraints also need to be considered.
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Environmental considerations
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An offshore wind project uses high voltage transmission cable systems to send electricity to the shore. There are two basic types of transmission cables: High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). HVDC is the preferred option for offshore transmission over longer distances or when the power being transmitted is greater than 1000 MW.
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High voltage cables
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The offshore wind power needs to be collected and converted at an offshore substation. The purpose is to convert the energy into a form that can be efficiently transmitted to shore. Offshore substations can be fixed-bottom or floating.
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Offshore substation
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Protecting these cables is paramount as damage to the cables can result in power outages. It can take up to three months to repair damaged cables—that’s a lot of power lost.
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Cable protection
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Where does the offshore wind power go?
Ok, so we got the power to the substation. Now what? Who gets to use this energy?
Next, the power cables need to be connected into the power grid onshore. That means transmitting the power, either underground or overhead, to the designated inland substation. Both options can have an environmental impact, so a strong approvals process and public consultation are critical components.
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Connecting to the grid
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Offshore wind projects avoid impacts to sensitive shoreline ecosystems as much as possible. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is used to completely bypass coastal environments and bring the cables ashore further inland. HDD techniques are well advanced and very accurate, which helps to avoid impacts.
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Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
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Once the cables reach the shoreline, the next challenge is connecting them to the grid. The cables usually cross underneath the coastline using a technique called horizontal directional drilling, which eliminates any environmental impact. An onshore substation is needed, which connects the offshore wind power to the onshore power grid.
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Transmission infrastructure
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Did you know about our environmental impact assessment team?
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Who gets to use this energy once its in the grid?
Offshore wind power can provide our communities with bountiful, clean, and renewable energy. While there are challenges with transmitting this energy to the shore and nearby power grid, we have a team of experts that can navigate the process.
From installing the turbines, to routing and protecting the cables, to connecting the cables to power our communities, we bring together the right team of experts to successfully deliver these kinds of offshore wind projects.
Offshore wind power can be used to power city infrastructure like street lamps, traffic lights, road signs, recreation facilities, and more.
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City Infrastructure
The clean power generated by offshore wind can be used to charge up electric vehicles. This method avoids the use of power generated by fossil fuels – a smart use of renewable energy to achieve mobility.
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Electric Vehicles
We can also use the electricity to power mass transit and transit facilities. This helps transport our people more sustainably.
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Mass Transit
Once the power has been directed into the electrical grid, the power can be used by nearby communities in many ways:
1. Homes: The electricity can be used to heat, cool, and power homes in a less carbon-intensive manner.
2. Commercial Users: Large electricity users will have access to the same power that homeowners will use.
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Residents and consumers
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Contact Damien Demunck to learn more about Offshore Wind in Australia.
