A new study from ScottishPower Renewables and Stillstrom by Maersk has revealed offshore windfarms could be serviced by battery-powered zero-emission vessels.
Experts have claimed the vessels can be charged from the windfarm’s turbines.
The research is the first instalment of three commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables – an organisation operating under the Iberdrola Group which is one of the world’s largest utility companies and a leader in wind energy.
Launched to look for options to decarbonise offshore operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the research examined the feasibility of integrating battery-powered Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs) – specialised ships designed to support the upkeep of offshore wind farms.
A number of positive findings were discovered which include:
- E-SOVs can last in zero emission mode by up to 18-19 hours a day without charge
- The business case for E-SOVs is competitive with traditional marine gas oil-fuelled vessels and cheaper than other decarbonised solutions like e-methanol
- Offshore windfarms can provide the necessary grid infrastructure for charging E-SOVs. This offers greater control over fuel costs and reduces exposure to volatile fuel prices and geo-political risks
It’s safe to say these findings have been warmly received. Ross Ovens, managing director for offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, said: ‘By the end of the decade, our aim is to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions for our offshore projects by more than two thirds and research like this demonstrates the potential to decarbonise marine operations, which could help achieve this ambition.
‘The study with Stillstrom provides valuable learning on how this innovative technology could be integrated into offshore windfarms and shows the art of the possible.
‘What we need to do now is consider what this means in practice and what that would look like in real-life. The report offers plenty of food for thought and it’s great to have the support of Operation Zero to share these findings, so we can all collectively work together towards a clean energy future.’
Photo by Nicholas Doherty
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