Our 399 wind turbines in the Belgian part of the North Sea produce green electricity for two million families. But did you know that the same wind farms are also a haven for all kinds of marine animals? You might not expect this, but our wind farms provide peace and quiet for the underwater world. Since fishing, sailing and kite-surfing are not permitted there, the wildlife habitat can develop undisturbed and flourish unimpeded. We also pay a great deal of attention to marine life when building new wind farms.

Marine animals spotted: special encounters on the job

The marine animals themselves provide the most pleasing evidence. There are a fair few to go through. For instance, we have already seen a sperm whale swimming peacefully inside our wind farms, and a curious seal that suddenly surfaced during a night-time inspection in sea teeming with glowing sea sparkle. Each and every one being unique and heart-warming moments proving that renewable energy and attention to marine life combine perfectly. Our wind farms do not accommodate ships, fishermen or divers, but rather provide unalloyed peace. The ideal refuge and resting place for residents of the North Sea!

Maximum noise abatement during the construction of new wind farms

It goes without saying that the construction of new wind farms involves major installation work. For instance, the monopiles, the foundation piles on which the turbines are placed, are driven into the seabed, in the process causing vibrations that can disturb marine life. That is why Parkwind (now JERA Nex bp) used innovative techniques such as the bubble curtain for a project in the Baltic Sea. These curtains of air bubbles act as a buffer surrounding the construction site area and muffle the sound waves released during the installation of the piles. This protects marine animals from hearing damage or disorientation.

‘During the research phase of our wind farm in Germany, we came across a metre-thick layer of mud with a solid layer of chalk beneath it. Significant force was needed to drive the monopiles into the chalk layer at a sufficient depth. To muffle the noise created during installation activities we used the PULSE system: this is a kind of cushion positioned between the monopile and the pile-driving hammer. Doing so resulted in a 50% reduction in noise. At the same time, on the seabed we laid two separate perforated hoses from which air bubbles escape, providing additional sound insulation.’ – Wim Verrept, Project Director for Arcadis Ost 1 at JERA Nex bp

Wind energy and biodiversity: not a paradox, but an opportunity

Our offshore wind farms show that sustainable energy production and respect for marine ecosystems can go hand in hand. Smart technologies, thoughtful design and peace in the wind farms are even creating new opportunities for biodiversity. We are already looking forward to meeting our next sea-dwelling visitor.

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