Site operator Energinet has selected MMT to conduct the initial surveys of the seabed area beneath the future Energy Island in the North Sea. A purpose built, artificial island in the North Sea, Energy Island is set to be the world’s first offshore wind energy hub.
MMT, an Ocean Infinity company, will conduct pre-construction geophysical and seismic surveys in the 526km2 area from May 2021 to September 2022.
The work will be carried out in 4 phases. Phase 1 will deliver the geophysical survey including 2D surveys down to 100m below the seabed. Phase 2 will see the deployment of ROVs to conduct Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) magnetometer surveys. Phase 3 is a 3D Ultra High Resolution Seismic (UHRS) survey of the Energy Island locations, followed by the final phase, a survey and inspection to assist the Danish Navy with the removal of confirmed UXO.
The work will be used to produce a detailed digital map of the seabed and underlying geological layers to allow construction of the artificial island and around 200 offshore wind turbines in both a technically feasible and environmentally conscious manner.
Once established, the Island will convert and distribute power to several countries. Initially it will produce 3 GW of power, increasing to 10 GW in the following years. 1 GW corresponds to the electricity needs of 1 million households.
Poul-Jacob Vilhelmsen, Project Manager for Energinet’s work on the future energy islands in Danish waters said: “The geophysical studies have to cover a very large area, and it’s important that they meet the time schedule. We are therefore pleased that a very experienced and professional company like MMT will be performing the surveying in the North Sea”.
Per-Olof Sverlinger, CEO of MMT said: “This project is a big step forward in the world’s transition to renewable energy. MMT and the Ocean Infinity group is committed to contributing to a more sustainable future and as such, is delighted to continue our service delivery to Energinet by playing a significant role in the development of this pioneering energy infrastructure; providing the data needed to ensure an environmentally conscious, successful development”.
Image credit: Danish Energy Agency