Fugro Expands Its Scope in Offshore Wind Assessment: A Dive into Victoria’s Gippsland Wind Farms
In a significant move towards enhancing the offshore wind industry, Fugro has been tasked by Ørsted to conduct a 12-month floating lidar measurement at the Gippsland offshore wind farms, located off the south coast of Victoria, Australia. This ambitious project is part of Ørsted’s efforts to assess the viability of these wind farms and ensure they align with the highest environmental standards in the industry.
#### A Critical Assessment
Fugro’s Seawatch wind lidar buoy will crucially measure wind speed, wave patterns, currents, and meteorological parameters at the site. The metocean data collected will provide real-time insights into site conditions, enabling early identification of potential challenges. Subsequently, monthly reports will be generated to aid in making strategic investment decisions for the wind farm’s development. Fugro’s local team and supply chain are spearheading this campaign, which includes equipment supply, installation, operations, and maintenance.
#### Advanced Technology at Play
Seawatch is a cutting-edge technology that accurately measures wind speed and direction up to 300 meters above the sea level. Fugro’s innovative approach has led to Seawatch attaining a Stage 3 rating in accordance with the Carbon Trust’s roadmap for the commercial acceptance of floating lidar technology. This designation underscores its readiness to provide reliable wind speed data essential for investment decisions in offshore wind farms.
#### A Historic Milestone
The approval of all twelve projects in the Gippsland Offshore Wind Zone by the Australian Federal Government marks a landmark moment for the country’s renewable energy sector. These feasibility licenses allow developers to undertake detailed environmental assessments and geotechnical surveys, ensuring that potential impacts on marine life are minimized. Moreover, the licenses pave the way for further consultations with First Nations groups, local communities, and marine users.
#### Stakeholder Engagement
The developers are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. Ørsted and other stakeholders such as RWE and Iberdrola Australia are actively engaging with the communities, First Nations people, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure that their projects are developed sustainably and responsibly. By sharing the benefits of the energy transition with local communities and businesses, developers like Ørsted are fostering a collaborative approach to renewable energy development.
#### Technological Innovations
Fugro’s advanced suite of equipment includes their SEACAL