Foundation System Optimisation and Installation Technologies Future offshore wind farms will be further offshore and in deeper water than previous projects with larger numbers of higher capacity turbines than existing projects. This will have significant impact on the foundation types selected, which are driven largely by environmental conditions and the size of the wind turbine generator. It is anticipated that the larger deepwater developments will see a move away from the monopile foundations, in favour of jacket or tripod foundations. Opportunities exist for novel foundation structures and fabrication processes.

Installation of offshore windfarms was initially performed by jack-up rigs from established oil and gas contractors, with a move later to purpose-built installation vessels from specialist offshore wind installation contractors. These vessels have proved very efficient for the installation of 2-3MW turbines however as the turbines increase in size and weight and the project sites are located further from shore and in deeper water the challenges of installation will become problematic. Alternative solutions and methods of installation will need to be considered to meet the high capacity demands for future offshore installations.

Project titles – links to project information

• TWI, the University of Manchester, Monitor Coatings, McNulty Offshore, VattenFall Wind Power
• TWI, RCID at Newcastle University, SEtech Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd, McNulty Offshore Construction Ltd, VattenFall Wind Power, Scottish Power UK plc and Clipperwind plc
• Xanthus Energy Ltd, Able UK Ltd and Ekspan Ltd