Offshore Wind Operational Report: Thecrownestate - Co.uk

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 17

Offshore wind

operational report
2019

thecrownestate.co.uk
03 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Introduction
This operational report, covering 2019, is testament Figure 1: UK electricity generation mix 2019*
to the professionalism and vitality of the UK offshore
Oil & Hydro
wind sector.
Offshore other (natural Pumped
Wind Solar fuels Coal flow) storage
With over 40 wind farms and around 2,200 turbines now
generating in UK waters, it’s easy to forget that less than 10% 4% 2% 2% 2% 1%
20 years ago the first-ever offshore turbines were installed
in the North Sea. Those trailblazing turbines at Blyth,
a project I was privileged to manage, kick-started the
remarkable progress of offshore wind in UK waters and
proved an invaluable testing ground for offshore wind
construction, operations and maintenance. In Blyth’s
lifetime, the UK offshore wind sector has matured almost
beyond recognition, and the project’s safe decommissioning
in 2019 marks a historic milestone for our industry.

20 years on, this maturity is reflected in the sector’s


strong collaboration on key strategic issues such as
data collection and environmental performance. Many
wind farms have post-construction environmental
monitoring programmes in place. A strong evidence base
is vital to ensure the great shift to offshore wind occurs
in a sustainable manner – after all, the seas around our
10% 11% 17% 41%
country are home to a staggering number of animal and
03 
Introduction

04 
Offshore wind
farm status
The Crown Estate
32TWh plant species, many of which are already under pressure.
We are playing our part, including with the Marine Data
Exchange, one of the world’s largest open-access
Onshore
Wind
Bioenergy Nuclear Gas

The Crown Estate manages a unique portfolio, which 2019 UK OFFSHORE WIND
databases of marine spatial information, an overview
06 
Offshore wind assets includes the seabed, natural marine resources and much of ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION
of which is provided in this report.
the foreshore around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
07 
Scotland Figure 2: Renewable electricity generation
Speaking of pressure, as I write this in March 2020, by fuel type
08 
Health and safety In this capacity we are responsible for awarding seabed

09 
Wind farm
rights for offshore renewable energy projects as well as
marine minerals, cables and pipelines. We play a unique
13m daily life for many of us has changed beyond recognition
because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, the global offshore
TWh
40
performance
role in developing and helping sustain UK energy supply tonnes wind sector continues to perform remarkably strongly, as
demonstrated by its contribution to the supply of energy,
12 
Offshore Transmission and infrastructure, working in collaboration with a wide 35
AVOIDED CO2 now around 10% of UK electricity generation. Operations
Owner (OFTO) range of organisations.
and maintenance teams are keeping the critical national
performance 30
infrastructure of our wind farms running.
Established by an Act of Parliament, we return all our profit
14 
Marine Data Exchange

10%
to Treasury for the benefit of the nation. This has totalled 25
Long-term growth outlook is strong, underpinned by
16 
Post-construction £2.8bn over the last ten years.
fundamentals such as the UK’s legal commitment to net 20
environmental
PROPORTION OF zero by 2050. As we anticipate a gradual return to a form
monitoring survey data
TOTAL UK ELECTRICITY of normal business, the performance and resilience of the 15
19 
Wind farm ownership GENERATED BY OFFSHORE sector in 2019 has confirmed its credentials for sustained
Scotland WIND IN 2019 growth in the year ahead and the decades to come. 10
22 
Offshore Transmission
Owner (OFTO)
The seabed around Scotland is managed by a separate 5
ownership
organisation, Crown Estate Scotland. Huub den Rooijen

30%
Hornsea 1 offshore wind farm (Ørsted)

24 
Investment Director of Energy, Minerals and Infrastructure 0
This report has been produced by The Crown Estate but for The Crown Estate

ro
y

PV
d

d
26 
Development portfolio

rg

yd
in

in

ne
completeness, publicly available data on offshore wind in

ar
UK OFFSHORE WIND

H
and activities

oe
re

ol
or

S
ho
Scotland has been included in key sections, such as offshore

Bi
GENERATED ENOUGH

sh
ns

ff
28 
Decommissioning wind farm status and national metrics.

O
ELECTRICITY IN 2019

O
and recycling TO SUPPLY THE NEEDS 2018 2019*
We have also included a page on offshore wind management OF 8.3M HOMES, AROUND
30 
Skills
in Scotland, provided by Crown Estate Scotland (page 7). 30% OF THE UK TOTAL *Source: BEIS energy statistics (provisional figures)
04 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 05 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Offshore wind sites, was 9.9GW. This means that 45%


of all grid connected capacity in Europe
is located in the UK, as shown in figure 3.
Figure 4: UK offshore wind project pipeline as at 31 December 2019

Operational: Total capacity of wind farms that have been fully commissioned

farm status The World Forum Offshore Wind places


the UK as number one in the world for
offshore wind installed capacity, followed
Capacity MW
01 Barrow 90
Capacity MW
11 Gunfleet Sands I 108
Capacity MW
22 London Array 630
02 Beatrice* 588 12 Gunfleet Sands II 65 23 Lynn 97
by Germany and China.
03 Blyth Demonstration (Phase 1) 42 13 Gwynt y Môr 576 24 North Hoyle 60
04 Burbo Bank 90 14 Hornsea 1 1,218 25 Ormonde 150
The UK continues to lead the charge The major change during 2019 was
05 Burbo Bank Extension 259 15 Humber Gateway 219 26 Race Bank 573
in offshore wind across Europe. to those projects with government
06 Dudgeon 402 16 Hywind Scotland 30 27 Rampion 400
support on offer. In the autumn, the 17 Inner Dowsing 97 28 Rhyl Flats 90
07 European Offshore Wind 93
1.8GW of new wind farm capacity results of Round 3 of the Contracts Deployment Centre* 18 Kentish Flats 90 29 Robin Rigg East* 84
became fully operational in 2019, as for Difference (CfD) allocations were 08 Galloper 353 19 Kentish Flats Extension 50 30 Robin Rigg West* 90
Beatrice in Scotland and Hornsea 1 off published at landmark strike prices, the 09 Greater Gabbard 504 20 Levenmouth Demonstration* 7 31 Scroby Sands 60
the east coast of England were both fully lowest being £39.65/MWh. Six projects 10 Gunfleet Sands Demonstration 12 21 Lincs 270 32 Sheringham Shoal 317
commissioned. At 1.2GW Hornsea 1 were successful, including several of the 33 Teesside 62
became the largest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank projects, enabling almost 34 Thanet 300
in the world. Construction commenced 5.5GW of further capacity. This brought 35 Walney 1 184
on East Anglia ONE in the North Sea and the total capacity of sites – operating, 36 Walney 2 184
on Neart na Gaoithe in the Firth of Forth. under construction and awarded a CfD – 37 Walney Extension 659
At the other end of the spectrum, Blyth – to 19.6GW.  Territorial Waters Limit 38 West of Duddon Sands 389
the UK’s first and smallest offshore wind  UK Continental Shelf 39 Westermost Rough 210
farm at just 4MW – was decommissioned Since the first UK offshore wind farm was TOTAL 9,701
19 years after installation. Further commissioned in 2000, a huge collective
information on this project can be effort has been made to achieve almost
Under construction: Total capacity
found on pages 28-29. 10GW of capacity in operation by 2020 of wind farms that are under construction
and another 4GW under construction. 02
43 or where the developer has confirmed
Figure 4 shows the UK now has over With a typical project taking ten years a final investment decision, but are not
14GW of total capacity either fully from planning to final commissioning yet fully operational
operational (9.7GW) or under construction and downward pressure on CfD prices, 16
(4.4GW). The actual grid connected considerable renewed vigour is now 07 Up to capacity MW
capacity at the end of 2019, including the needed to achieve the Government 40 East Anglia ONE 714
connected capacity at under construction ambition of 40GW by 2030. 42 41 Hornsea 2 1,386
42 Kincardine* 50
50
43 Moray East* 950
20
44 44 Neart na Gaoithe* 448
49 45 Triton Knoll 857
46 48
Figure 3: Current European offshore wind generating capacity based TOTAL 4,405
29 47 51
on grid-connected turbines, including sites under construction
30 03
52
Government support on offer:
MW Turbines %
Total capacity of wind farms that have
UK 9,983 2,230 45%
39 secured a Contract for Difference
Germany 7,445 1,469 34% 36
15 41 14
Denmark 1,703 559 8% 25 35 Up to capacity MW
33
Belgium 1,556 318 7% 45 46 Dogger Bank A 1,200
38 01 47 Dogger Bank B 1,200
Netherlands 1,118 365 5% 37 06
04 48 Dogger Bank C 1,200
Rest of Europe 306 111 1% 13 17 31
05 49 Forthwind* 12
23 50 Seagreen Phase 1* 454
28 24 40 51 Sofia Offshore Wind Farm 1,400
32

99%
Phase 1
21 26 TOTAL 5,466
09 08
12
THE TOP FIVE 22
11 10 Total capacity of wind farms that have
REPRESENT 99%
been decommissioned
OF ALL EUROPEAN 34
CAPACITY 18
19 Up to capacity MW
52 Blyth 4
TOTAL 4

Source: Wind Europe bit.ly/3enNzt7 *Asset managed by Crown Estate Scotland


27
06 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 07 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Offshore of which began generating and two


became fully operational. This added Scotland farm in the Moray Firth reach full
operation. At the time, it was the
half of all new offshore wind capacity world’s fourth-largest offshore wind
890MW
wind assets built in Europe and more than a third of
all new global offshore capacity in 2019.
In Scotland, the seabed and around half
installation with 588MW of installed
capacity – enough to provide 450,000
homes with electricity. JUST OVER 890MW OF
CAPACITY IS CURRENTLY
It was a landmark year for UK offshore of the foreshore is managed by Crown
IN OPERATION ACROSS
wind with the final turbine installed at Estate Scotland, a public corporation Crown Estate Scotland will launch
SEVEN SCOTTISH SITES
There are now more than 2,000 grid- Hornsea 1, now the largest offshore separate to The Crown Estate which the latest round of seabed leasing
connected wind turbines on the UK wind farm globally and capable of works to manage Crown Estate assets for offshore wind developers in the

Beatrice offshore wind farm (SSE)


seabed. In Figure 6, we’ve categorised supplying the electricity needs of on behalf of Scottish Ministers. first half of 2020. The project aims
them as Operational if the site was fully one million UK homes. In 2019, the to bring significant additional installed
commissioned by the end of December average turbine capacity installed Just over 890MW of capacity is currently capacity to Scottish waters by 2030
2019. In fact there were 2,230 grid reached 7.0MW, an increase of 18% in operation across seven Scottish in line with the Scottish Government’s
connected turbines as some capacity compared to last year. There were offshore wind sites, with a further sectoral marine plan, the consultation
was already generating at sites classed also announcements about the next 1GW due to come online in phases draft of which provides for up to 10GW
as Under Construction. generation of wind turbines, including by 2022. 2019 saw Beatrice wind of new development.
that SSE and Equinor intend to use the
During the year, eight offshore wind GE Haliade-X 12MW turbine at their
farms were under construction, several proposed Dogger Bank wind farm sites.

Figure 5: Asset activity in 2019

Wind farms having achieved Wind farms achieving first power


Final Investment Decision (FID) East Anglia ONE
Neart na Gaoithe Hornsea 1

Wind farms under construction


Wind farms completed
East Anglia ONE
Beatrice
Hornsea 1
Hornsea 1
Hornsea 2
Kincardine
Moray East Wind farms decommissioned
Neart na Gaoithe Blyth
Triton Knoll

Floating offshore wind sites in Scotland

Figure 6: UK offshore wind assets as at 31 December 2019 Floating turbines are already in operation electricity in 2019 to power 36,000
at two sites in Scottish waters: the homes. (Source: Equinor)
Kincardine offshore wind farm and
Hywind Scotland developments. The Kincardine offshore wind farm
currently operates a single test turbine
The larger of the two, Hywind Scotland, with a capacity of 2.5MW. Over the next
is the world’s first fully operational 2 years, an additional five turbines will be
floating wind farm. Located in the installed, each with a capacity of 9.5MW,
North Sea, it consists of five turbines, taking the total capacity to 50MW.
each with 6MW capacity, arranged
across an area of around four square Floating wind technologies are currently
OFFSHORE OFFSHORE EXPORT MET WIND kilometres. The turbines are ballast less widely deployed than the more
TURBINES SUBSTATIONS CABLES MASTS FARMS stabilised, anchored to the seabed mature, fixed solutions. With as much as
Operational: 2,189 32 74 11 39 in water depths of between 95m and 80% of the total potential for offshore
Under construction: 652 10 13 0 6 129m, and are subject to average wind believed to be in deep waters, it
TOTAL: 2,841 43 87 11 45 wind speeds of 10m per second. could play a significant role in meeting
Hywind Scotland generated enough future energy requirements.
Operational: Wind farms that have been fully commissioned and achieved Works Completion

Under construction: Wind farms having reached Final Investment Decision (FID) and those that are under construction but not yet fully operational.
There is a reduction in the offshore turbines under construction since the 2018 report because planned turbine capacities have increased at Moray East,
reducing the quantity of turbines needed.
08 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 09 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Health and safety Wind farm of electricity back to shore. The


construction period is excluded.

Health and safety performance in The improvement in overall performance Figure 9: Incident categories for
performance The expected power output is derived
from hourly satellite measurements of
local wind speed and theoretical wind
offshore wind is improving. Data in of global offshore wind has been UK offshore wind industry in 2018 turbine power curves. This calculation
this section refers to the latest report1 attributed to the maturity of the method carries a notable uncertainty,
(2018) from G+, the global health industry, which is in turn driven by: Medical Lost Restricted Fleet performance index primarily due to indirect and low-
and safety organisation for offshore • A strong focus on high potential Asset treatment work day work day frequency wind speed data. A more
damage cases incidents incidents
wind, which reveals that 11 out of hazards The fleet performance index compares accurate calculation would necessitate
12 categories of reportable incident • Improved technology 10% 4% 4% 3% metered electricity output against the 10-minute average wind speed data
showed an improvement between 2017 • Improved culture where stakeholders expected output adjusted for actual and project-specific power curves.
and 2018 as illustrated in Figure 7. share lessons learned wind speed during that period. It gives
• Improvement of working methods a direct measure of, and improves our In 2019, the fleet performance index
The UK outperformed the global ability to forecast, the performance was 98.2% despite being affected
industry in 2018 as its Lost Time Figure 9 shows the incident categories4 of the offshore wind farm fleet in by cable repairs and grid maintenance.
Injury Frequency (LTIF2) and Total for the UK, which highlights the need England and Wales, without any This impressive performance reflects
Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR3) were to continually improve health and adjustment for outages. The analysis the quality of the hardware and the
1.48 and 4.43 respectively, while the safety performance. includes the whole system of fully efficient management of the assets.
global industry’s LTIF and TRIR were operational wind farms and their Figure 10 shows the variation in fleet
1.52 and 4.55 respectively. Further breakdown of the data shows associated transmission/export performance for the last nine years.
that of the 588 incidents, construction,
Comparing the LTIF and TRIR of development and operations sites
the three countries with the highest contributed 208, 11 and 369 incidents
number of offshore wind farm sites – respectively. Marine operations, access/
UK (40), Germany (14) and Denmark egress and lifting operations were the Figure 10: Fleet performance index
23% 19% 37%
(6) – the UK again emerged with the top three work processes accounting
100.5% 10
best health and safety performance, for 19%, 12% and 10% respectively. First aid Near hits Hazardous
as shown in Figure 8. cases observations 100.0% 9
To drive improved performance,
While there has been tremendous G+ continues to share learnings 8
99.5%

INSTALLED CAPACITY (GW)


improvement in the UK and global including improving safety designs,

PERFORMANCE INDEX
7
industry, there is still scope for more. use of technology to reduce risks, 99.0%
Out of the 256 high potential incidents and focusing on mental health 6
that occurred in 2018, 66% were in the and wellbeing. 98.5%
UK. High potential incidents are those 5
that have the potential to cause fatal The G+ 2018 incident data can 98.0%
4
or life-changing injuries. be found at bit.ly/3er95NA
97.5%
3
97.0%
2

96.5% 1
Figure 7: Global offshore wind industry Figure 8: Countries with the highest
incident comparison between 2017 and 2018 number of sites in 2018 96.0% 0

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19
Reportable incidents Number

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20
Country of sites LTIF TRIR
Fatalities
UK 40 1.48 4.43
Total lost work days incidents
Germany 14 2.46 5.75
Incidents that occurred on operational sites
Denmark 6 2.88 10.96
Incidents that occurred on project sites
NUMBER OF HOMES THAT COULD BE SUPPLIED BY
Incidents that occurred on development sites
OFFSHORE WIND ELECTRICITY GENERATION
Incidents during marine operations
1 A time lag in the data means 2019 global health
Incidents during lifting operations and safety statistics are not yet available. We have reported
on the recently published G+ 2018 incident data report.
Incidents when gaining access/egress or climbing
2 LTIF = The number of recordable injuries (fatalities + lost
Incidents occurred in the turbine work day incidents) per 1,000,000 hours worked.

3 TRIR = The number of recordable injuries (fatalities + lost


Incident occurred on vessels
work day incidents + restricted work day incidents + medical
Incident occurred onshore treatment injuries) per 1,000,000 hours worked.
2013 2015 2017 2019 2020 (est.)
4 As defined in the G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety
2017 2018 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Organisation’s 2018 incident data report. 2.7m (10%) 4.4m (16%) 5.3m (20%) 8.3m (30%) 8.8m (32%)
10 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 11 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Capacity factor Figure 11: Capacity factor evolution

Sheringham Shoal offshore substation (Aerial Vision and Equinor)


Figure 11 shows the evolution of the 45
capacity factors of offshore wind farms
in England and Wales between 2005
and 2019. 40

The capacity factor is the average


power generated over a period, divided
35

CAPACITY FACTOR (%)


by the rated peak power. It indicates
how fully a plant’s capacity is used.

The capacity factor of offshore wind 30


farms is usually higher than onshore
wind farms due to stronger, more
stable wind conditions at sea. This is
particularly noticeable for the latest 25
wind farms located further offshore.

In 2005, the capacity factor was around 20


30%. In 2019, it was almost 40%. It
means the power output per unit capacity
has increased by a third – a considerable
improvement. This is because of the 0
15
fine-tuning of service campaigns and
05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19
maintenance contracts to optimise
20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20
production-based availability of the plant.
It is also because capacity factors of
newer sites are higher and closer to 50%.

Wind variability Figure 12: Monthly energy deviation due to wind speed in 2019
Offshore generation Figure 13: Offshore wind electricity generation by UK asset in 2019
Wind farm output is dependent on 40%
Walney
wind speed. While the average output Figure 13 shows that the top 5 wind
Lincs Others Extension Hornsea 1 Beatrice Race Bank
of a wind farm over its lifetime can be 30% farms generated more than a third
accurately calculated using long-term of the UK’s total offshore wind power 3.1% 30.1% 8.6% 7.2% 6.7% 6.7%
data, its performance over a short in 2019.
20%
period of time is primarily dependent
on local wind conditions. The air flow at a higher altitude
10% is stronger and less turbulent.
Figure 12 shows the impact on energy This greatly reduces transient loads
production due to monthly wind speed 0% and improves power output. Taller

32
variation in England and Wales. turbines can therefore harness more
power per unit capacity compared
-10%
March and August were significantly to smaller turbines.
TWh
windier than expected, while January,
Total generation
May and November were significantly -20% The latest wind farms in operation
in 2019
less windy than average conditions. have capacity factors in excess of
Variations due to local wind conditions -30% 50% (the average production is more
are expected, however there was less than 50% of the nameplate capacity).
regional variability in 2019 compared
to recent years. The overall energy -40%
deviation at the end of 2019 was
2.3% below the long-term average. -50%
3.2% 3.3% 4.4% 4.7% 5.0% 5.3% 5.5% 6.2%
n

ar

pr

ay

ug

ep

ct

ov

ec
Ju
Ja

Ju
Fe

O
M

D
S
A

Rampion Sheringham Galloper West of Dudgeon Greater Gwynt London


East Coast (Humber) West Coast Shoal Duddon Gabbard y Môr Array
East Coast (Thames Estuary) UK Sands
12 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 13 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Offshore The default for this is 98%, with specific

Dudgeon offshore substation (Roberg Gregory Yorke and Equinor)


targets established for each OFTO.
Figure 16 shows the general trend

Transmission of annual availability.

National Grid collates availability data

Owner (OFTO) for each OFTO annually – this includes


all outages that originate on an OFTO’s
system but excludes outages that

performance originate elsewhere, for example on


a wind farm generator or DNO system.
The OFTO availability incentive then
adjusts the reported outage data to
calculate incentivised performance
The OFTO offshore transmission for each OFTO.
system consists of 22 offshore
substations, supporting over 5.6GW In 2018/19, average OFTO availability
of generating capacity connected by 34 was 99.50%, higher than the previous
export cable circuits. These interface year (98.22%), highlighting that there
with either National Grid’s National were fewer outages and that OFTOs
Electricity Transmission System maintained transmission system
(NETS) or the lower voltage distribution availability for the majority of the year,
networks owned and operated by as shown in figure 15. This enabled the
Distribution Network Operators (DNO). wind farms to transmit electricity to the
OFTO ownership details are on page 23. National Grid with minimal disruption.

Transmission system availability for OFTOs can be unavailable for several


OFTOs is published by National Grid each reasons. These include planned outages
July in the annual NETS Performance required for maintenance or modification
Report. The information in this section
covers data up to March 2019.
of the assets, unplanned outages as a
result of plant or equipment failure, i.e.
circuit trips/faults, or outages requested
99.5% Moving towards a more integrated offshore grid
Figure 16: OFTO availability trend
The OFTOs are incentivised through the by the DNO. Figure 14 shows the ANNUAL AVAILABILITY The theme of moving toward a more new transmission infrastructure in
OFTO regulatory framework to provide breakdown of planned and unplanned OF OFFSHORE NETWORKS integrated or coordinated approach parallel. This will help to further reduce
100%
prescribed minimum levels of availability. system unavailability for 2018/19. FOR 2018/19 WAS 99.50% to offshore transmission gained costs of offshore wind, limit seabed
increasing prominence during 2019. disturbance and mean infrastructure

ALL OFTO AVERAGE % AVAILABILITY


The Offshore Wind Sector Deal1 is more resilient. The Information 99%
identified that Government would Memorandum2 we published at the
work with the sector and wider outset of the Round 4 leasing process
Figure 14: 2018/19 OFTO Figure 15: Offshore Transmission Networks % Annual System Availability stakeholders to address issues around indicated that we were considering 98%
system unavailability a more strategic approach to offshore the possibility of introducing new
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 transmission. This implicitly recognises requirements in lease agreements
OFTO Unplanned Non-OFTO
Barrow OFTO 100 99.88 100 99.99 100 that the current approach of developing in this regard. Work on this was 97%
25% 51% Bubo Bank Extension OFTO N/A N/A N/A N/A 98.15 radial links is unlikely to be efficient or progressed in the early stages of
Dudgeon OFTO N/A N/A N/A N/A 100 optimal with moving toward significantly the process, and we expect to make
higher deployment levels. Work has the results available during 2020. 96%
Greater Gabbard OFTO 100 100 99.78 99.61 99.82
been progressing through the Offshore
Gunfleet Sands OFTO 99.53 100 99.95 99.81 99.97
Wind Industry Council to distil the key We were encouraged to see Ofgem
Gwynt y Môr OFTO 82.59 82.58 99.73 100 99.84
issues with the current arrangements, recognising the need to consider 95%
Humber Gateway OFTO N/A N/A 100 93.75 100 both in the short term and also for coordinated grid solutions for offshore

9
Lincs OFTO 100 100 99.93 99.78 100

–1

–1

–1

–1

–1
longer term strategic development. wind in its Decarbonisation Action

14

15

16

17

18
London Array OFTO 99.90 99.98 98.88 99.80 99.94 Plan3, published in February 2020.

20

20

20

20

20
Ormonde OFTO 99.93 100 99.59 100 100 During 2019, we have been exploring Against the backdrop of Net Zero,
Robin Rigg OFTO 100 99.99 99.99 100 100 the potential for offshore transmission Ofgem indicated it would work with
Sheringham Shoal OFTO 99.84 100 99.95 99.23 99.40 infrastructure to be designed for a Government, industry, the Electricity
Thanet OFTO 82.47 83.05 96.15 100 100 longer life than is currently the case System Operator and The Crown Estate
for operating projects – potentially up to develop coordinated solutions and
Walney 1 OFTO 100 100 99.62 99.70 100
to 60 years to facilitate two wind farm in doing so, explore options for meshed
Walney 2 OFTO 100 92 100 100 91.42
24% 10% 41% project life cycles. This would enable grids rather than radial links. This 1 HM Government bit.ly/2KbeM4k
West of Duddon Sands OFTO N/A 100 99.64 99.45 100
any subsequent re-powering and/or is a positive development and we 2 The Crown Estate bit.ly/2z6o13T
OFTO Planned DNO Generator Westermost Rough OFTO N/A 100 100 100 99.73 re-planting without the need to develop will devote time to this in 2020. 3 Ofgem bit.ly/3evZNQL
14 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 15 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Marine Data Exchange 2,311 Figure 19: Survey data coverage


on the Marine Data Exchange
SURVEYS

The Marine Data Exchange (MDE),


created by The Crown Estate, is the
first online portal to manage offshore
survey data collected throughout the
179TB Low High

OF DATA
lifetime of offshore wind farms.

In 2019, we added 29 surveys to the


MDE, totalling 12TB of additional data,
and invested in upgrades to the user
experience. We facilitate access to
62%
PUBLICLY AVAILABLE
this survey data and work closely with
our customers to ensure that all survey
data is made widely and freely available
in a reasonable timeframe.

We know that survey data and evidence


71%
INCREASE IN PUBLIC
play a key role in the ongoing growth
DOWNLOADS SINCE 2018
of the offshore wind industry and
are committed to investing in the
MDE to improve access and unlock
the value in this wealth of data. www.marinedataexchange.co.uk

Figure 17: 2019 public survey downloads by user type Figure 18: Survey data held on the MDE by development phase

TOTAL 17,140
Research
Consultancy 5,734
326

Developer 3,830

Academic 2,504

NGO 774
Government 453
Others 3,845

372 116 1,562

Post-construction Construction Pre-construction


16 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 17 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Post-construction in one place, generating an evidence


base that can be used to identify trends
across the offshore wind sector. It also
Case study: Data insights from the fish post-construction survey data

The value from the MDE evidence Almost half of the surveys also found of survey catch methods were used, over

environmental provides useful insights into observed


effects of wind farms on the marine
environment compared to what was
base comes from being able to draw
insights from the data.
that there was no change in the species
mix from pre-construction to post-
construction, with the most abundant
80% included otter and beam trawls.

Many of the thornback rays observed

monitoring predicted during the planning and


impact assessment phase.
Here we have drawn comparisons
from the post-construction and
pre-construction fish survey data
species remaining the same. Across
all of the sites, the most abundant
species observed in most surveys were
within the wind farm arrays were smaller
than those found outside, suggesting
that some wind farms could be acting

survey data The intensity of survey activity


fluctuates over time, as some wind
farms start their post-construction
held on the MDE. Initial insights
suggest that, from 56 surveys
across 16 operational wind farm
whiting (Merlangius merlangus), dab
(Limanda limanda) and thornback ray
(Raja clavata), which is listed as Near
as spawning grounds. Within one wind
farm, there was a high abundance of
pregnant females which would support
monitoring and others stop monitoring sites, almost 84% of surveys show Threatened on the International Union this idea. In such circumstances, the
as they discharge their licence a positive or neutral change in for Conservation of Nature Red List concentration of crustaceans, their
The MDE holds extensive survey data conditions. Throughout this, we work fish ecology. of Threatened Species. Whilst a number main prey type, was also high.
across the lifetime of a project, including closely with offshore wind operators to
all monitoring data collected during and understand what survey data has been
after the construction phase. collected, organise its upload to the MDE
in line with consistent data standards
Almost half of all post-construction
survey data held on the MDE is from
environmental monitoring campaigns
and ensure that it can be reused by
passing it through a quality assurance
process. Some of the data that has been
56 FISH SURVEYS
2002–2018

and this resource continues to grow as collected over the last three years is not
more wind farms become operational. yet on the MDE and this is reflected in
The MDE acts to bring this data together the faint section of figure 21.
84%
OF SURVEYS SHOW A POSITIVE OR
NEUTRAL CHANGE IN FISH ECOLOGY
(42% POSITIVE, 42% NEUTRAL)
Figure 20: Post-construction environmental surveys held on the MDE by theme*

150 52 60
21
Marine
mammals

POST-CONSTRUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL
Benthic
ecology
15
Epifauna
and fish 58 Birds
THE MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES OBSERVED
WERE WHITING, DAB AND THORNBACK RAY
MONITORING SURVEYS
Intertidal
ecology
*Surveys may contain more than one theme

Figure 21: Post-construction environmental survey data collection by theme over time

Marine mammals
Intertidal ecology
Epifauna and fish
Birds
Benthic ecology 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
18 19 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Wind farm Figure 22: Capacity ownership – offshore wind by category

ownership
Utility Financial investor
65% 27%

Corporate Oil and


5% gas 2%

Supply
chain
< 1%

Utility companies dominate the Figure 23: Operational and under construction wind farm
ownership of the generating and ownership as a percentage of total capacity in 2019
under-construction fleet in the UK at
65%, with financial investors having EDP
the next biggest share at 27%. The Renováveis Equinor Others Ørsted RWE Innogy
ownership share of financial investors
2% 2% 33% 26% 8% 6%
in UK offshore wind increased just 1%
on the previous year and has averaged
27% for the last three years. The figures
suggest little change but it has been a
very active part of the market as the UK
fleet capacity has being growing, with
financial investors increasing their MW
capacity ownership by 90% over the last
four years (see figure 28 on page 25).

Oil and gas presence in the sector


remained at 2% in 2019, represented
by Norwegian company Equinor. The
share of the market owned by the
supply chain dropped to less than 1%
as Siemens sold its stake in Gwynt y
Môr offshore wind farm. Meanwhile
corporate ownership stayed steady
at 5% of the market, represented by
companies such as China Resources.
2% 4% 4% 4% 4% 5%
Hornsea 1 offshore wind farm (Ørsted)

The Scandinavian presence has UK GIG Vattenfall SSE Iberdrola Global UK Green
been much evident in the UK offshore Offshore (Scottish Infrastructure Investment
wind sector and by 2019 some 38% Wind Fund Power) Partners Group (UK GIG)
of UK offshore wind was owned by
Scandinavian utility and financial
investors. Figure 24 on page 20 shows
the ownership position of fully operational
UK offshore wind farms in 2019.
20 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 21 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Figure 24: Fully operational offshore wind farm ownership as at 31 December 2019 – listed by dominant ownership share

Project Operator Share ownership %

Barrow Ørsted 100% Ørsted

Burbo Bank Ørsted 100% Ørsted

Gunfleet Sands Demonstration Ørsted 100% Ørsted

Gunfleet Sands I Ørsted 50.1% Ørsted 24.95% Dev. Bank of Japan1 24.95% JERA

Gunfleet Sands II Ørsted 50.1% Ørsted 24.95% Dev. Bank of Japan1 24.95% JERA

Walney 1 Ørsted 50.1% Ørsted 25.1% SSE 24.8% PGGM

Walney 2 Ørsted 50.1% Ørsted 25.1% SSE 24.8% PGGM

Burbo Bank Extension Ørsted 50% Ørsted 25% KIRKBI Invest A/S 25% PKA Holding ApS

Hornsea 1 Ørsted 50% Ørsted 50% Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)

Race Bank Ørsted 50% Ørsted 25% Macquarie European ...2 12.5% Sumi...3 6.3%4 6.3%5

Walney Extension Ørsted 50% Ørsted 25% PFA Holding ApS 25% PKA Holding ApS

West of Duddon Sands Ørsted 50% Ørsted 50% Iberdrola (ScottishPower)

Westermost Rough Ørsted 50% Ørsted 50% UK GIG6

Humber Gateway RWE 100% RWE

Robin Rigg East RWE 100% RWE

Robin Rigg West RWE 100% RWE

Scroby Sands RWE 100% RWE

Rampion RWE 30.1% RWE 25% UK GIG6 24.9% Enbridge Inc. 20% E.ON

London Array London Array Ltd 30% RWE 25% Ørsted 25% Caisse dépôt & placem... 7
20% Masdar

Rhyl Flats Innogy 50.1% Innogy 24.95% Greencoat UK Wind 24.95% UK GIG Offshore Win...8

Greater Gabbard SSE 50% Innogy 50% SSE

Gwynt y Môr Innogy 50% Innogy 30% Stadtwerke München 20% Macquarie Infra ...9

Galloper Innogy 25% Innogy 25% Siemens Financial Ser...10 25% UK GIG6 12.5% ESB 12.5% Sumi...3

Inner Dowsing XceCo 61% UK GIG Offshore Wind Fund8 39% BlackRock

Lynn XceCo 61% UK GIG Offshore Wind Fund8 39% BlackRock

Lincs Ørsted 44% UK GIG Offshore Wind Fund 8


31% UK GIG 6
25% Ørsted

Beatrice SSE 40% SSE 35% Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners 25% SDIC Power Holding

European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre Vattenfall 100% Vattenfall

Kentish Flats Vattenfall 100% Vattenfall

1 Development Bank Kentish Flats Extension Vattenfall 100% Vattenfall


of Japan

2 Macquarie European Thanet Vattenfall 100% Vattenfall


Infrastructure Fund 5

3 Sumitomo Corporation
Ormonde Vattenfall 51% Vattenfall 49% AMF
4 Arjun Infrastructure
Hywind 2 Demonstration Equinor 75% Equinor 25% Masdar
Partners

5 Gravis Capital Management Sheringham Shoal Equinor 40% Equinor 25.3% Equitix 20% UK GIG Offshor...8 14.7% TRIG
6 UK Green Investment
Group (UK GIG) Dudgeon Equinor 35% Equinor 35% Masdar 30% China Resources
7 Caisse dépôt &
placement Québec Blyth Demonstration EDF Energy Renewables 100% EDF Energy Renewables
8 UK Green Investment
Group (UK GIG) Offshore
Teesside EDF Energy Renewables 51% EDF Energy Renewables 49% Dalmore Capital Ltd
Wind Fund
Levenmouth Demonstration ORE Catapult 100% ORE Catapult
9 Macquarie Infrastructure
and Real Assets
North Hoyle Innogy 100% Greencoat UK Wind
10 Siemens Financial Services
22 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 23 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Offshore OFTO licence was granted and several Figure 25: Offshore

Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm (Alan O’Neill of Charles Hodge Photography and Equinor)
tenders within Tender Round 6 were Transmission Tenders
progressed, see Figure 25. TENDER ROUND 5: TENDER ROUND 6:

Transmission As we show in Figure 26, OFTOs continue


to be operated by the main OFTO
Ofgem is responsible for managing
the competitive tender process
through which offshore transmission
Licences granted 2019
• Race Bank – October 2019
Licences to be granted 2020
• Beatrice – Preferred bidder

Owner (OFTO)
appointed December 2019
players: Transmission Capital Partners, licences are granted. The following Licences to be granted 2020
Blue Transmission, Balfour Beatty, tenders are currently underway: • Galloper – Preferred bidder Preferred bidder to
Diamond Transmission and Equitix. appointed November 2018 be appointed 2020

ownership These are owned by infrastructure


investment groups and venture capital
companies that are taking a key role
• Walney Extension – Preferred
bidder appointed March 2019
• Rampion – Preferred bidder
• Hornsea 1 – ITT stage
commenced July 2019
• East Anglia ONE – ITT stage
For more information on the tenders, visit Ofgem’s
in financing offshore transmission website bit.ly/2z3BVDM appointed August 2019 commenced February 2020
infrastructure. Whilst most OFTO assets
A key part of the OFTO regime is the are managed by the owner, the operation
granting of offshore transmission and maintenance (O&M) is contracted
licences on the basis of a competitive to either the wind farm operator or
tender process. During 2019, one another dedicated service provider.

Figure 26: OFTO ownership as at 31 December 2019

Export
Cable Offshore
Circuits Substations Ownership % Operator O&M Provider
Barrow Transmission Transmission Investment
1 1 100% International Public Partnerships
OFTO Capital Services Services Limited
Burbo Bank Diamond Transmission
1 1 50% Diamond ...1 50% HICL ...2 RES
Extension OFTO Corporation
Dudgeon Transmission Dudgeon Offshore
2 1 100% International Public Partnerships
OFTO Capital Services Wind Limited
Greater Equitix Management EDS HV Management
3 2 100% Equitix Ltd
Gabbard OFTO Services Limited
Gunfleet Transmission Transmission Investment
1 1 100% International Public Partnerships
Sands OFTO Capital Services Services Limited
Gwynt y Môr Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty Power
4 2 60% Balfour Beatty 40% Equitix
OFTO Investments Transmission & Distribution
Humber Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty Power
2 1 80% Equitix 20%...3
Gateway OFTO Investments Transmission & Distribution
Lincs Transmission Transmission Investment
2 1 100% International Public Partnerships
OFTO Capital Services Services Limited
London Array
4 2 50% Diamond ...1 50% 3i Group plc Frontier Power London Array Limited
OFTO
Ormonde Transmission Transmission Investment
1 1 100% International Public Partnerships
OFTO Capital Services Services Limited
Race Bank Diamond Transmission
2 2 50% Diamond ...1 50% HICL ...2 RES
OFTO Corporation
Robin Rigg Transmission RWE Renewables
2 0 100% International Public Partnerships
OFTO Capital Services UK Operations Limited
Sheringham
2 2 50% Diamond ...1 50% 3i Group plc Frontier Power Equinor
Shoal OFTO
Thanet Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty Power
2 1 80% Equitix 20%...3
OFTO Investments Transmission & Distribution
Walney 1
1 1 50% Diamond ...1 50% 3i Group plc Frontier Power RES
OFTO
Walney 2
1 1 50% Diamond ...1 50% 3i Group plc Frontier Power RES
OFTO
West of Duddon
2 1 100% Dalmore Capital Ltd Frontier Power Ørsted & SPR
Sands OFTO
Westermost Transmission Transmission Capital
1 1 100% International Public Partnerships
Rough OFTO Capital Services Services

1 Diamond Transmission Corporation Ltd (subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation) 2 HICL Infrastructure 3 Balfour Beatty


24 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 25 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Investment with just under 0.7GW of generating


or under construction capacity.
RWE/E.ON transaction at a glance:

• In spring 2018, RWE and E.ON to E.ON, with E.ON now owning
Figure 28: Operational and under
construction portfolio ownership

GW
Japanese corporate Marubeni exited announced a big asset swap. a majority shareholding of 76.8%
the market by selling its shares in in innogy in exchange for giving 16
2019 saw a 40% increase in offshore the Gunfleet Sands wind farms. This • In 2019, approval was given RWE a 16.7% share in E.ON. In
wind transactions on the previous year. made way for a new entrant, Japanese by all national and European 2020, as part of the overall deal,
The most significant market change energy company JERA, which bought competition authorities. RWE will also receive innogy’s 14
was the merger and complex asset into Gunfleet Sands. This continues renewables and gas storage
swap of German utilities E.ON and RWE. the 2018 pattern of Japanese power • In autumn 2019, RWE transferred businesses, as well as a stake
This makes RWE the second biggest companies buying into UK offshore its majority stake in innogy to E.ON. in the Austrian energy company 12
owner of offshore wind farms in the projects with the intention of using that In return, it got E.ON’s renewables Kelag. RWE has founded a fourth
UK with just over 1GW of generating experience in the emerging Japanese business, along with minority stakes subsidiary, RWE Renewables,
capacity. E.ON has transferred almost offshore wind sector. in the German Gundremmingen and which integrates both parts of 10
all of its offshore wind assets to RWE Emsland nuclear power stations. the renewables business (innogy
(see opposite) but retains a direct stake Danish utility Ørsted is at the front and E.ON).
in Rampion. It also owned a majority of the pack with 3.7GW of under • The offshore wind farms in the 8
share in innogy as of December 2019. construction or generating capacity. UK transferred to RWE include: • This transaction has enabled
In February 2019, Ørsted entered into Robin Rigg East and West, Scroby the two energy companies, both
A significant investment was made a ten year corporate Power Purchase Sands, Humber Gateway, a stake headquartered in Essen in Germany, 6
in the summer by Macquarie’s UK Green Agreement (PPA) to supply electricity in London Array and part of its to refocus: E.ON now has a clear
Investment Group when it purchased from Race Bank offshore wind farm stake in Rampion offshore wind focus on energy networks and
40% of East Anglia ONE from Scottish to utility Northumbrian Water, the farm (about 0.5GW in total). customer solutions, while RWE 4
Power Renewables and parent company first of its kind in the UK. Further is becoming a broadly diversified
Iberdrola. This £1.63bn transaction took announcements followed in 2019. • innogy has ownership interests power producer with a large
place whilst the 714MW site was under This is a sector which will likely grow in the following UK sites: Rhyl portfolio of renewable generating 2
construction, with final commissioning as subsidy opportunity declines but it Flats, Greater Gabbard, Gwynt assets alongside a conventional
due late 2020. This propelled UK Green remains to be seen if there are enough y Môr, Galloper and Triton Knoll energy generation portfolio.
Investment Group to be the fourth corporates of suitable risk profile to (about 0.9GW). This didn’t change The asset swap makes RWE the
0
biggest owner of UK offshore wind farms satisfy the growth pipeline needed. in 2019 but innogy’s beneficial world’s second largest company
Dec Dec Dec Dec
ownership was transferred from in offshore wind, with a stated aim 2016 2017 2018 2019
German parent company RWE of being carbon neutral by 2040.
Financial investors
Other investors
Figure 27: Transactional activities completed in 2019

Share Buyer share


Asset Seller before sale Buyer after sale Value Timing
Gunfleet Sands I Marubeni 24.95% JERA 24.95% Unknown Jan-19

Gunfleet Sands II Marubeni 24.95% JERA 24.95% Unknown Jan-19

Walney 1 Ampere Equity Fund 9.9% PGGM 24.8% Unknown Jul-19

Walney 2 Ampere Equity Fund 9.9% PGGM 24.8% Unknown Jul-19

East Anglia ONE Iberdrola (Scottish Power) 100% UK GIG 40% £1.63bn Sep-19

Humber Gateway E.ON 100% RWE 100% Unknown Sep-19

London Array E.ON 30% RWE 30% Unknown Sep-19


Construction works at Hornsea 1 offshore wind farm (Ørsted)

Rampion E.ON 50.1% RWE 30.1% Unknown Sep-19

Robin Rigg East E.ON 100% RWE 100% Unknown Sep-19

Robin Rigg West E.ON 100% RWE 100% Unknown Sep-19

Scroby Sands E.ON 100% RWE 100% Unknown Sep-19


Macquarie Infrastructure
Gwynt y Môr Siemens AG 10% 20% Unknown Oct-19
and Real Assets
Ørsted 50%
Diamond Transmission
Race Bank OFTO Macquarie Capital 37.5% 100% £500.9m Oct-19
Partners
Sumitomo Corporation 12.5%

Neart na Gaoithe EDF 100% ESB 50% Unknown Nov-19


26 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 27 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Development in a decade – launched in September


2019 (see bit.ly/2QXV3Je), with the pre-
qualification process concluded in early
Responsible future growth

In 2019, the UK became the first major Our strategic enabling actions Over the course of 2019 we worked

portfolio and 2020. The two-stage Invitation to Tender


(ITT) will be progressed during 2020. This
will be followed by the Round 4 plan-level
economy to make a legally binding
commitment to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions to net zero by 2050. It
programme is intended to support
this journey, via two broad ambitions:
• to provide high quality data
to define the focus of the programme
in partnership with Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial

activities HRA prior to the award of rights.

To better inform the Round 4 plan-level


is widely predicted that offshore wind
will provide a significant and increasing
role in this transition, but governments,
and evidence to advance the
understanding of offshore
wind deployment and the
Strategy and Department for
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs;
along with stakeholders. Together,
HRA, we commissioned five priority stakeholders and industry will need to impact on the marine and we continue to take the necessary
research projects to help build a quality work together to make this a reality. As onshore environment actions to responsibly enable future
The last 12 months have proven evidence base. We are pleased that illustrated by figure 29, it will be critical • to bring together all relevant offshore wind projects.
another transformational year for UK a number of these have now been to balance the benefits of such a scale- parties to develop a common
offshore wind, laying the foundations published with the final report set up with the pressures created in the understanding and take coordinated To stay up to date on this important
for continued responsible growth. to be completed later in 2020. These environment, both offshore and onshore. actions to address challenges work, see bit.ly/3bAXnOc
The year ahead promises to maintain can be viewed at bit.ly/2UAcceB
that momentum.
The outcome of the third Contracts
The Offshore Wind Sector Deal for Difference (CfD) allocation round
cemented a trajectory for the market in September 2019 heralded a turning Figure 30: UK offshore wind development pipeline and fixed offshore wind characterisation by The Crown Estate
to deliver 30GW by 2030. For our part, point for UK offshore wind. It saw
it included two clear commitments: the success of 5GW of projects on
1.  to undertake new leasing, and; the Dogger Bank, at prices below the Portfolio waterfall – all UK (gigawatts rounded)
2. to establish a collaborative reference prices set by Government –
programme of enabling actions essentially progressing without
for future growth. subsidy. When combined with projects
2050 Net Zero scenarios (75GW+)
either in operation or construction,
We’re pleased to say both of these a total over 19GW of capacity is (Committee on Climate Change, 2019)
are advancing strongly. now committed. In addition, Round 3
projects providing 16GW of capacity
are progressing to be ready for future
New leasing activity allocation rounds.
40-50% of the future portfolio yet
30GW+
We concluded the plan-level Habitats Round 4, combined with 2017 to be identified within an increasingly
Regulations Assessment (HRA) for Extensions projects, adds to the existing busy sea space
the 2017 Extensions opportunity development pipeline. Collectively, the
over the course of the 2019 (see bit. UK operating portfolio and development
ly/39yUcVQ). The result is almost 3GW pipeline could total more than 45GW in
of new projects alongside existing 2021, not including capacity that might
operational wind farms. be enabled by Crown Estate Scotland’s
leasing process. This exceeds the 40GW 2030 ‘Increased ambition’ (40GW)
Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 – deployment ambition for 2030 set by 10GW
(Queen’s Speech, December 2019)
our first major new leasing round the UK Government.
2030 Established EXTENSIONS
policy (30GW) AND ROUND 4

(Sector Deal, March 2019)


15GW
Figure 29: Balancing needs in the offshore wind sector for responsible future growth

BIODIVERSITY LOW COST


ZERO-CARBON ENERGY UNDER-
DEVELOPMENT
SEASPACE USES:
10GW
FOOD, CONSERVATION, SUPPLY CHAIN BENEFITS
SECURITY, NAVIGATION
ENERGY INTEGRATION
COMMITTED*
ONSHORE COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE
10GW
KNOWLEDGE FINDING THE SPACE
AND EVIDENCE TO DEPLOY
OPERATING

*Projects under construction or that have government support on offer


28 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 29 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Decommissioning The Blyth project has also set The road to Net Zero is paved with recycled steel

Decommissioning works at Blyth offshore wind farm (E.ON)


a very high standard for the
decommissioning of offshore Zero-carbon energy is a crucial from fossil fuels. If power from

and recycling wind farms; complete removal


of the asset and full restoration
of the natural environment was
component of the path to carbon
neutrality, but it’s not enough to
limit global warming to 2°C1. Large
renewable sources is used in EAF,
secondary steel can be almost entirely
decarbonised. A more circular steel
made possible by E.ON and quantities of carbon are either built into flow is therefore inherently far less
Fugro’s outstanding work. the products themselves in the form of emissions-intensive, and easier
Blyth the pioneer plastics, or are integral to the chemical to decarbonise through the use of
It was agreed to fully remove the processes involved in their production, renewable energy. This encourages
On 17 May 2019, the north monopile cables and, at E.ON’s suggestion, such as in steel and cement. Re-using the the retrieval of as much scrap steel
of Blyth offshore wind farm was lifted to use natural materials instead of materials we have already produced will as possible from decommissioned
from the seabed onto the Excalibur, grout to cover the foundation stubs. be unavoidable in a low-carbon economy. assets, particularly monopiles.
the same vessel used to build it 20
years ago. All the offshore works were The last foundation being lifted Most steel production is primary However, the entire recycling process
completed safely and without incident from the seabed in the middle of production, converting iron ore to steel must be carefully planned. Design,
by Fugro GeoServices Ltd. the night may have signalled the using an oxygen furnace. On average, collection, sorting and recycling must
end of Blyth offshore wind farm, this emits over 2 tonnes of CO2 per ensure feedstock quality matches
This concluded the decommissioning but its legacy lives on. One of the tonne of steel produced. product requirements. Copper
of a pioneering project which marked removed turbines will be installed in contamination is a major constraint:
1 It should be noted that the Paris
the beginning of remarkable progress Blyth Harbour and used as a training Secondary steel is made in electric at 0.15% content by weight, steel Agreement’s goal is to limit the
for offshore wind power in UK waters. facility. Parts of the other turbine will arc furnaces (EAF), emitting one- becomes unusable for all but the global temperature rise to well
below 2°C above pre-industrial
With two turbines totalling 4MW, they be refurbished and made available fifth the CO2 emissions of primary most basic product groups. Figure 31 levels and to pursue efforts to
limit the increase to 1.5°C.
were, at the time, the most powerful as spares for other assets. steelmaking, even when a significant lists the maximum copper contamination Global temperatures are already
offshore wind turbines in the world and proportion of the electricity comes limits for steel re-use purposes. 1.0°C above pre-industrial levels.

the first offshore turbines installed in The project demonstrated that good
the UK. Current models are four times planning and efficient execution can
more powerful and installed in their enable cost-effective asset removal and
hundreds on the UK’s continental shelf. restoration of the natural environment.
Additionally, the efforts that have gone Figure 31: Maximum copper content by steel product category (Wt% copper in steel)
It’s hard to understate the game-changing into the end of life planning at Blyth have
role these two turbines have played in enabled extensive re-use and recycling
wind energy moving offshore. The first of materials to minimise landfill use.
to be deployed anywhere in the North Reinforcing steel bar (concrete) 0.40
Sea, they kick-started the remarkable Blyth offshore wind farm has
progress of offshore wind in UK waters; shown that renewable energy can Structural steel beam (construction) 0.12
now home to over 2,000 turbines and be harnessed in a truly renewable
Commercial steel plates (refrigerators, cabinets) 0.10
set to play an increasingly vital role in fashion, crucial in the future as more
our nation’s clean energy transition. wind turbines are decommissioned.
Fine wire 0.07

Drawing steel (formable with high deformation) 0.06


Current level
Deep-drawing steel (formable with severe deformation) 0.04 OECD scrap
(0.20–0.25%)

Source: How Will Copper Contamination Constrain Future Global Steel Recycling? Daehn et al. (2017)
30 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019 31 OFFSHORE WIND OPERATIONAL REPORT 2019

Skills a wind turbine technician. She has

‘Diversity in the industry’ photos courtesy of Vattenfall


always been attracted to engineering
careers after being inspired by her
grandfather, who was an engineer
in the car industry.
Skills development is a subject that
has featured heavily in the sector After leaving school aged 16, she
throughout the year. For example, enrolled at her local college on an
opportunities are being created in Energy Skills programme before
coastal communities as the industry applying to SSE’s Apprenticeship Armed Forces Covenant
continues to grow, so it’s critically Programme. Jasmine said “Growing up,
important to deliver a highly skilled, I heard all the stories about grandad’s 46% of UK offshore wind operators
diverse workforce to meet the demand job. Seeing how people in our family have signed up to the Armed Forces
of the growing market. This reinforces talked about his work and the things Covenant so far. This is a pledge
the aspirations of the industry and he achieved, I was attracted to the to “acknowledge and understand
the Sector Deal to develop the next practical side of work, building and that those who serve or who have
generation, increase job mobility across making things with my hands. I was served in the armed forces, and
the sector, and provide apprenticeships really pleased to have been accepted their families, should be treated
to inspire the young recruits of the to SSE’s Apprenticeship Programme, Diversity in the industry with fairness and respect in the
future. In this section, we highlight it’s another step in a career I am really communities, economy and society
some of the many initiatives currently excited about. It’s great to think that The sector recognises that it needs they serve with their lives”.
underway across the operational I’ll be working on the future of energy to tap into the largest pool of talent
offshore wind portfolio. in renewables, in a challenging and possible and better reflect modern Vattenfall Wind Power Limited
hands-on environment.” society by having a diverse and inclusive recently signed up to the Covenant:
workforce. With a baseline of 16% of “6% of our workforce already come
Apprenticeships Former UK Government Education workers being women and an average from a military background. In
Minister, Kemi Badenoch, said: workforce age of 38, the challenge is signing the Covenant, our goal is to
This year SSE, headquartered in “This is a fantastic opportunity to significant. The sector has set a target actively support those leaving the
Perth, is looking to recruit around 70 be at the forefront of tackling climate by 2030 of 33% of employees being armed forces and introduce this pool
new apprentices. With the company change in this country. As a former women, increasing to 40% if feasible, of talented individuals to a career in
investing £6bn over five years to help apprentice myself, I know first-hand including those undertaking training our industry. Vattenfall prides itself
decarbonise the UK and Ireland, those how apprenticeships can change lives and university degrees. actively driving forward inclusion
entering the industry have a bright and improve businesses, so I’m really and equality. This is just one area
future. This programme sees recruits pleased to see that SSE is investing Further diversity targets have been set where we can have an important
gain a range of skills and experience in in apprenticeships and offering more to encourage the number of black, Asian impact, showing that we value and
positions including apprentice jointers, young people the chance to gain and minority ethnic workers in the sector respect Vattenfall colleagues who
linespersons and electrical fitters the skills they need to forge from 5% now to 9% in 2030 aiming for have served and continue to serve
working on the electricity network successful careers.” a more ambitious target if feasible. (i.e. reservists)”.
to deliver green energy to millions.

Many of these opportunities are


in rural areas, providing support The Crown Estate intern partnerships 2019
to local economies and communities
across the UK. Most apprenticeships Working in partnership with other • International policy drivers for the
take four years to complete and are organisations in the marine sector, development of noise mitigation
an opportunity to gain a nationally we welcomed four graduates into two methods for offshore wind farm
recognised qualification. marine internship programmes in 2019: construction
Coast Explorer in Kent and Marine • Understanding the existing practices
With government setting an ambitious Futures in Cumbria. We asked each and initiatives to reduce marine litter
target to achieve net zero by 2050, intern to complete a marine-related and plastic pollution within The Crown
the new recruits will be at the front project of their choice. For the Coast Estate, and to recommend innovative
line of efforts to decarbonise the UK; Explorer programme, we also asked solutions to raise awareness and to
from building wind farms to maintaining the group to conduct a joint project. maximise impact of these initiatives
the flexible electricity grids needed to • Assessing the feasibility of a
transport clean power. The projects covered a wide range of Nephrops creel fishery in West of
topics, giving our interns further insights Walney Marine Conservation Zone.
One such apprentice is Jasmine into a career in the marine sector:
Allen (right) from Beccles, Suffolk. • Offshore wind farms: Fossil fuel For more information on these projects,
The 19-year-old is starting life as use and carbon emissions see bit.ly/2UYtfHn
Our thanks to all those who have provided content
and images for this report, in particular:
Aerial Vision; Alan O’Neill (Charles Hodge Photography); E.ON;
Equinor; innogy; Jasmine Allen; Natalie Smith; Ørsted; Roberg
Gregory Yorke; RWE; SSE; Vattenfall.

Information sources we have used to compile data include:


BEIS DUKES statistics; Crown Estate Scotland; Katrin E. Daehn,
André Cabrera Serrenho, and Julian M. Allwood (2017); Global
Offshore Wind; G+ Health and Safety Organisation; National
Grid; Ofgem; World Forum Offshore Wind; Wind Europe.

CO2 avoided due to renewable energy


This represents the carbon dioxide that would have been
emitted by traditional power stations to generate electricity
in the absence of renewable energy. A study of greenhouse gas
emissions of the UK electricity system by R.C. Thomson (2014)
demonstrated that wind power displaces coal – and gas-fired
power stations, and that partial loading of fossil-fuelled power
stations has an efficiency penalty of 11%. The CO2 emissions
avoided by offshore wind can be calculated by using Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) emissions
statistics for ‘all fossil fuels’ and subtracting 11% to account
for the induced efficiency penalty. The Crown Estate uses
this method to measure the benefit of offshore wind.

Cover: View from meteorological mast


at Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm
(Rory McKerrell, innogy).

© Crown Copyright 2020, all rights


reserved. Ordnance Survey Data: Licence
No. 100019722, thecrownestate.co.uk/
ordnance-survey-licence. Limits: Supplied
by UKHO. Not to be used for Navigation.

Correct as of April 2020, unless


otherwise stated.

Report designed by RF Design (UK) Ltd.

The Crown Estate +44 (0) 20 7851 5000


1 St James’s Market @TheCrownEstate
London SW1Y 4AH thecrownestate.co.uk

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy