Press release | Project news Offshore wind farms: literature study highlights importance of monitoring chemical emissions
Based on literature research and an inventory of materials used, French and German scientists have identified the chemical substances that offshore wind farms may emit. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and uniform regulations across all North Sea countries. The study is part of a broader project called Anemoi (Interreg), coordinated by the Flemish Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO). "It is clear that we also need to investigate on site which substances actually end up in the sea from wind farms and what impact this has on the marine environment," says coordinator Bavo De Witte (ILVO). |
There are currently eight offshore wind farms operating in the Belgian part of the North Sea, consisting of 399 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 2.26 gigawatts (GW). Together, they cover an area of 238 km² along the border with Dutch waters and produce an average of 8 TWh of renewable energy annually. To further increase this capacity, preparations are currently underway for the construction of additional wind farms in a second zone, known as the Princess Elisabeth zone. In this way, Belgium aims to increase its renewable energy production by a further 5.8 GW by 2030. |
Since construction began on Belgium's first offshore wind farm in 2008, various scientific institutes have been monitoring its impact on the marine ecosystem (the WinMon.BE monitoring and research program). This program closely monitors the ecological effects of the construction and operation of the farms, both positive and negative, on animal life (macrobenthos, fish, porpoises, and birds). However, the impact of any chemicals from coatings, paint, lubricants, and other products and materials used is still unclear. |
In the European Interreg project Anemoi, we are taking the first steps to measure the impact, assess the risks, and, in dialogue with the sector and policymakers, propose solutions that minimize chemical emissions.
International literature review indicates need for monitoring |
In a thorough new literature study conducted as part of Anemoi and published in the scientific journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, scientists from the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer) and the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) conclude that offshore wind farms "potentially" 228 chemicals. No physical measurements or analyses were carried out, but a list was compiled of what has been written in scientific literature and safety data sheets about the coatings and materials used. The Marine Chemistry and Offshore Renewable Energy scientific working groups of ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) were also involved in the study. |
70% of the chemicals on the list come from anti-corrosion agents and 10% are oils and lubricants used to operate the turbines. The necessary cooling and fire extinguishing agents that must be available for safety at sea were also included in the list.
Many of these substances are used in closed systems such as turbines or diesel storage tanks, which means they can only be released in the event of leaks or accidents. Other substances leach out continuously, such as paints or anti-corrosion systems. However, many of these substances also have other sources, such as shipping or pollution from land that can reach the sea via rivers or the air. |
Sixty-two of the substances are labeled as potentially hazardous to the environment by the European Chemicals Agency, or are known to be priority substances in, among other things, the European Water Framework Directive. This highlights the importance of further research, because at present it is not known exactly which substances are actually emitted in what quantities, whether they actually originate from wind farms, and what their impact is on the marine environment. |
In order to collect reliable data on these substances, we need physical measurements and advanced analytical methods with very low detection limits.
Furthermore, there are many potential sources of these substances at sea, so determining exactly where they come from is very complex and requires further research.
Cost-effective monitoring |
Anemoi involves 11 partners from six countries. In addition to coordinating the project, ILVO is also responsible for developing procedures that enable monitoring. Continuously monitoring all 228 potential substances in wind farms is not feasible from a technical, time, and cost perspective. The scientists are therefore looking for an efficient, integrated solution. This also includes the development of standardized impact assessments and risk analyses specifically focused on the marine environment. In this context, ILVO took physical samples in the Belgian and German parts of the North Sea in 2023 and 2024. |
Starting a monitoring program requires a wide range of highly sensitive analytical instruments and international, interdisciplinary cooperation. Anemoi can provide the initial impetus for this.
Technische oplossingen |
According to the literature review by German and French scientists, there are technical solutions to limit emissions. For example, alternative corrosion protection agents, closed cooling systems, and biodegradable substances already exist, but there are no sector-specific standards regulating their use. There are also major differences in the way different countries regulate chemical emissions from offshore wind farms. However, emissions do not stop at national borders, so international guidelines are needed. |
There is a growing awareness at policy and industry level that regulation needs to change. At Anemoi, we are currently working on a policy letter with guidelines to harmonize national regulations within the North Sea countries. The letter will be published later this year.
Our literature review lays an important foundation for the early detection of chemical emissions from offshore wind farms. Europe-wide coordination and minimum requirements for monitoring and reduction can make the necessary expansion of offshore wind energy even more environmentally friendly.
This is a joint press release from the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO), the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer).
Meer info: https://www.interregnorthsea.e...
Spokesperson for ILVO |
E-mail: pers@ilvo.vlaanderen.be |
Telephone: +32 9 272 25 52 |
Mobile: +32 472 53 06 96 |
ILVO Research |
E-mail: bavo.dewitte@ilvo.vlaanderen.be |
Mobile: +32 59 569864 |
German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) |
E-mail: presse@bsh.de |
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