How choosing the most economic

foundation structure can help an

evolving industry power into the future

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOUNDATIONS IN
BRINGING DOWN THE COST OF OFFSHORE
DEVELOPMENT
How choosing the most economic foundation structure can help an evolving industry power into the future |
in comparison with onshore wind and other alternative
electricity generation technologies.
Part of the problem is the sheer scale of the task in

For decades onshore wind installations have dominated developing offshore wind power the challenges of
the wind renewables energy market. But increasingly building projects out at sea, often in inclement, remote
offshore wind farms are becoming the preferred choice conditions and the need for bigger turbines to help
for national governments, keen to secure energy improve the cost of energy development.
security and appease growing social concerns about
It is this economic question which is threatening to hold
onshore wind farm developments.
back offshore development but action can be taken.
As detailed in the Wind Energy Update (WEU) Offshore
Indeed, in the WEU Foundations Survey 2013 in which
Foundations Report 2013, 11 countries to-date have
1270+ industry experts (the results of which are
developed offshore wind power projects. The main
detailed in the WEU Report) industry executives ranked
European players include the UK, Germany, Denmark
foundations as the technological sub-area with the most
and Belgium with China looking to double its capacity
potential, through innovation and economies of scale,
and new entrants such as Japan, South Korea and the US
for reducing the cost of offshore wind energy.
funding major offshore projects.
However, as illustrated in the WEU Report, there were
There is 5076MW of operating offshore wind turbines interesting variations noted in the cost reduction
with another 4574MW under construction. potential attributed to each technological sub-areas cost
between company type and key market activity.
However there are major challenges in the way
particularly the high CAPEX of offshore wind farm
projects. This report reveals data on the economic
importance of foundations in offshore wind installation
and how improving their cost of energy can keep the
industry with the forward momentum it needs to meet
rising demand. The types of foundations used in practice
and those still in development and which foundation
structure is the most profitable for use in both shallow
and deeper waters are also explored in the report.

The most pressing concern is cost the WEU report

states that the LCOE of offshore wind is extremely high

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 HIGH RISE PILE CAP (HRPC)
These account for 11.5 per cent of the market and are
used mainly in shallow waters, under 10 metres, and
soft soils mainly in China.

Other alternative foundations in use today include

tripods, triples and jackets which are much stiffer
structures particularly well designed for larger turbines
situated in deeper waters of between 30 metres and 35
metres.
FOUNDATION TYPES & USES
So when we say foundations what do we mean and
How choosing the most economic foundation structure can help an evolving industry power into the future |

why are they so vital?

As we know, foundations are used primarily to help

erect wind turbines and to provide a base for their
operation. They must help support hydrodynamic loads
in conjunction with the aerodynamic loads transferred
by the turbine.

Other uses include enabling access for operations and

maintenance staff and to carry electricity out to the
substation. Other platforms include met-masts,
substations and accommodation quarters for O&M
crews.

They come in a variety of types. But which are the most

popular in todays offshore wind farm landscape?

MONOPILES FOUNDATIONS are the most popular

used in 66.5 per cent of operating offshore wind
turbines. Either driven into the seabed or located into
drilled sockets they are of simple automated structure
and have a slender design.
According to the report they are seen by industry
professionals as having a good track record enabling
them to more easily secure financing as a result.
GRAVITY BASE FOUNDATIONS INCLUDING
CONCRETE
Described in the report as being used mainly in shallow
and icy waters such as the Baltic Sea these account for
around 16.4 per cent of all operating wind turbines.
FUTURE USAGE
At present most offshore wind projects are located in
waters no more than 30metres deep. But the industry is
evolving look at the German North Sea programme as
a prime example with projects set for much deeper
waters up to 60metres down.
Although the report finds that monopiles will continue
to play an important role in the foundation market of
the future, there are concerns that given the need for

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larger turbines the diameter and thickness of the
monopile structure would increase in such a manner
that scaling would become cost prohibitive.
Instead it is the jackets, triples and tripods who will
dominate a much deeper sector. Floating foundations,
many of which are in development at the moment, are
also tipped to emerge and gain prominence as are
suction buckets.
The survey states that other new innovations could be
around the corner as Governments, aware of the
importance in designing the most cost-effective
foundation for projects deeper out to sea, issue public
money to ramp up research and testing.
THE FOUNDATIONS SCORECARD
So far it has revealed the importance of offshore wind
and the vital economic role played by foundation
structures in reducing cost concerns and pressing the
button on more project developments.
The different types of foundation structures have been
outlined and which are the most popular in the market
today and why. It has been revealed that the market
leader today, monopiles, may not be the best suited
option for the offshore wind sector of tomorrow given
the need for projects at a greater distance from shore, at
a greater depth and larger turbine sizes.
The case for jackets, triples and tripods as well as
innovative new structures such as floating foundations
are debated and discussed.
It is clear that all of the technologies have their
advantages and their drawbacks but, as the report points
out, these differences have yet to be fully commercially
explored due to the limited experience gained and
shared across the industry.
Until now that is. WEUs unique scorecard system uses
a weighted assessment matrix and technological
expertise to rate which foundations structure would be
best suited to projects in depths of up to 30meters and
60metres.
We compared seven foundation technologies with
categories such as siting, design, fabrication, installation,
maintenance, decommissioning, track-record and
potential to reduce the cost of energy.
How choosing the most economic foundation structure can help an evolving industry power into the future |
Two results were given the best foundation, in terms
of meeting technical needs and being the most
profitable, at 30metres water depth and 60metres water
depth.
Which technology was best suited for a particular soil
type or depth? Which one was found to be the least
profitable?
In the 60metres how did monopiles, feared by many not
to be able to cut it in that depth class, shape-up? Does it
still have a strong, economic future or has its moment
gone?
Which foundation structure could best cope with new
technology, a turbines weight and water depth and
remain cost-competitive?
The answers to the above questions and more are
covered in the WEU Offshore Foundations Report 2013.
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 WEU Offshore Foundations Report 2013
Based on over 12,000 pieces of data, company case-
studies and industry interviews, 1270+ survey
responses, proprietary and secondary material, this
report provides a comprehensive techno-economic
assessment of the global foundations portfolio (pre-
commercial and commercial options) and the key
industry insights, market-by-market sizing, forecasts and
technology configurations essential to constructing a
best positioned to optimize commercial opportunities in
this growing but increasingly competitive sector.

To view the full report visit our website:

How choosing the most economic foundation structure can help an evolving industry power into the future |

http://www.windenergyupdate.com/offshore-
foundations-report/index.php