Article
Fisheries
Josep Lloret, Paul Wawrzynkowski, Carlos Dominguez-Carrio, Rafael Sarda, Climent Molins, Josep Maria Gili, Ana Sabates, Josep Vila-Subiros, Laura Garcia, Jordi Sole, Elisa Berdalet, Antonio Turiel, Alberto Olivares
Summary: As offshore wind energy expands in Europe, it is important to consider the potential impacts on marine protected areas (MPAs). This article critically reviews the initial development of offshore wind energy in the Mediterranean region, particularly focusing on Natura 2000 sites. The overlaps between offshore wind farms (OWFs) and MPAs are assessed, and recommendations are proposed to protect these important protected areas.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Hao-Tang Jhan, Hsin-Ta Lee, Kuo-Huan Ting
Summary: This study examines the potential for designating an offshore wind farm within a marine protected area (MPA) for Chinese white dolphin conservation. It finds that the main challenges are conflicts of interest, insufficient science-based information, and inadequate law enforcement. Offshore wind farms could be a way to minimize conflicts between fisheries and conservation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana D. Maldonado, Ibon Galparsoro, Gotzon Mandiola, Inaki de Santiago, Roland Garnier, Sarai Pouso, Angel Borja, Iratxe Menchaca, Dorleta Marina, Laura Zubiate, Juan Bald
Summary: This research proposes a novel approach using Bayesian Network to identify suitable areas for wave energy projects. The results show that 1723 km2 and 17,409 km2 of areas within the Spanish and Portuguese Economic Exclusive Zones are highly suitable or suitable for wave energy development. This approach can assist decision-makers in considering relevant technical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors during the consenting process for wave energy projects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yvonne Cronin, Valerie Cummins, Eric Wolsztynski
Summary: The study investigates public attitudes towards offshore wind farms in Ireland, finding that attitudes are significantly influenced by education levels, perception of climate change mitigation, and trust in government action on carbon emissions reduction. The majority of respondents believe Ireland is too reliant on foreign energy and support government investment in offshore wind farms to create jobs. Those with experience of offshore wind farms are more positive towards their development in Irish waters.
Article
Environmental Studies
Miriam Puets, Alexander Kempf, Christian Moellmann, Marc Taylor
Summary: There is a growing need for marine spatial planning in the North Sea due to competing objectives and multiple uses. The establishment of offshore wind farms may conflict with existing and planned marine protected areas, impacting conservation goals. A framework is needed to assess trade-offs to fisheries and ecosystem health, and the size and placement of spatial closures play a crucial role.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Gimpel, K. M. Werner, F. -D. Bockelmann, H. Haslob, M. Kloppmann, M. Schaber, V. Stelzenmueller
Summary: Evaluating the ecological effects of offshore wind farm expansion is crucial for understanding socio-ecological trade-offs and informing area-based management. However, little is known about the impact on demersal fish. This study found that wind turbine piles with scour protection can serve as feeding grounds and spawning areas for Atlantic cod, suggesting positive effects on local cod populations and contributing to the urgently needed observational evidence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Nathalie A. Steins, Jeroen A. Veraart, Judith E. M. Klostermann, Marnix Poelman
Summary: The large-scale development of offshore wind farms leads to conflicts over marine resource use, necessitating effective management to mitigate impacts. Despite multiuse scenarios being a solution, regulatory, technical, and socio-economic factors often hinder progress. Communities of Practice have the potential to facilitate cooperation between stakeholders and promote multi-use of marine resources.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maryam Golbazi, Cristina L. Archer, Stefano Alessandrini
Summary: This study used high-resolution numerical simulations to investigate the surface meteorological impacts of large offshore wind farms equipped with extreme-scale wind turbines. The results showed that the impacts are statistically significant but negligible in magnitude.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Gord McGee, Josie Byington, John Bones, Sally Cargill, Megan Dickinson, Kelly Wozniak, Kylee A. Pawluk
Summary: Marine spatial planning is a governance approach aimed at managing the pressures faced by marine ecosystems. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for its success. The MaPP initiative in Canada employed an advisory approach to engage stakeholders, resulting in broad support for the plans. This paper summarizes the perspective of the MaPP governance partners and the key lessons learned from their stakeholder engagement policy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ting Wang, Xiaoshang Ru, Beini Deng, Chenxi Zhang, Xu Wang, Bo Yang, Libin Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of marine sediments under a wind farm in China and found that copper, chromium, and zinc were the major contaminants. The pollution level in the wind farm was relatively light compared to baseline values. The physicochemical features of the sediments explained the changes in microorganisms, and the relative abundance of microorganisms correlated with sediment quality. This comprehensive study fills a knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of assessing sedimentary environments in offshore wind farms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Konrad Baerfuss, Johannes Schulz-Stellenfleth, Astrid Lampert
Summary: The installation of wind farms in the North Sea has been shown to affect downstream wind speed and wave properties. Using airborne laser scanner flights, it was demonstrated that wind parks redistribute wave energy in the downstream area, enhancing energy at smaller wavelengths. This suggests that wind parks may modify the properties of the water column as well, as the sea surface serves as a link between the atmosphere and the ocean.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ana-Maria Chirosca, Liliana Rusu, Anca Bleoju
Summary: Green energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. The North Sea is a significant region for offshore wind energy in Europe, with the world's largest offshore wind farm located there. This study provides an overview of wind farms, types of turbines, and turbine structures in the North Sea.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabrielle Froese, Shan Yu Ku, Ali C. Kheirabadi, Ryozo Nagamune
Summary: This paper proposes a method to optimize the layout design of floating offshore wind farms (FOWFs) by adjusting the axial induction factor and nacelle yaw angle of each turbine to realize the repositioning of floating platforms, aiming to maximize energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunlei Wu, Qiang Wang, Kun Luo, Jianren Fan
Summary: In this study, a systematic atmosphere-sea surface-wind farm simulation method is established by coupling a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model (WRF) with a sea surface model and a refined wind farm parameterization. The impact of ocean-atmosphere interaction on wake effect and power output of wind farms is explored.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Economics
Yang Qu, J. Kim Swales, Tara Hooper, Melanie C. Austen, Xinhao Wang, Eleni Papathanasopoulou, Junling Huang, Xiaoyu Yan
Summary: This study develops a novel marine resource allocation module that augments a computable general equilibrium model calibrated on Scottish data. Simulation results show that increasing offshore wind farms can have substantial negative impacts on seafood supply, supporting the need for integrated management of food and energy production in the marine environment.