Offshore geotechnical challenges of the energy transition
Susan Gourvenec
Abstract
Offshore wind is the most mature of the offshore renewable energy technologies and has a significant role to play in the energy transition. 2000 GW of offshore wind capacity is anticipated globally by 2050 in order meet the targets of the Paris Agreement; 35 times the current installed capacity. The pace and scale of offshore wind ambitions to support the energy transition present a range of challenges for the offshore geotechnical sector and the broader offshore wind sector. Challenges extend across the life-cycle of projects from marine spatial planning, site investigation, design, manufacturing, installation, operation and decommissioning, and across the supply chain regarding availability of raw materials for foundations, anchors and mooring systems, vessels and equipment for site investigation and installation, and trained geotechnical personnel. This paper identifies five key challenges and sets out the necessary shifts in technology, culture and practice in geotechnical engineering to achieve the ambitious targets to deliver offshore wind at the pace and scale required for the energy transition. The paper closes with a reflection on the consequence of delaying or not meeting net-zero targets, and thus identifying the urgency for these shifts in technology, culture and practice to be developed and adopted. • Sets out pace and scale of decarbonisation challenge with offshore wind. • Sets out 5 key technical challenges alongside geotechnical solutions to achieve offshore wind targets. • Identifies societal, regulatory, and environmental challenges to meet offshore wind targets for the energy transition. • Reflects on risk of inaction via acceleration of climate-related deaths globally.