Could offshore wind farms be serviced by battery-powered zero-emission vessels charged using turbines in the future?
Yes – according to a new study by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) and Stillstrom by Maersk, which explored options for decarbonising offshore operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It looked at the feasibility and benefits of integrating battery-powered Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs), which stay out at sea for extended periods, into offshore wind farm operations.
The study found electrification of offshore operations is not only technically feasible but could also deliver both economic and operational benefits.
E-SOVs can operate in zero-emission mode for up to 18-19 hours a day without charge and the business case for E-SOVs is competitive with traditional marine gas oil-fuelled vessels and cheaper than other solutions like e-methanol, according to the study.
In addition, it found offshore wind farms can provide the necessary grid infrastructure for charging E-SOVs, offering greater control over fuel costs and reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices and geopolitical risks.
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore 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 wind farms 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.”
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