The role of marine geoscience in optimising the architecture of offshore renewable energy infrastructure

The energy transition forms a key component of the drive to Net Zero. The 75GW target for offshore wind generation forces a re-consideration of piecemeal development across an increasingly congested sea bed. If the UK is to efficiently step beyond the 40MW target by 2030, we will need to embrace new technologies (for example energy islands and interconnectors) and a new offshore UK- and North Sea-wide electrical infrastructure to be deployed across the marine environment. Learning from hydrocarbon and previous renewable infrastructure experience, marine geoscience will play a key role in developing a strategic approach to evolution of a UK and European offshore electrical infrastructure. Decisions based on sound marine geoscience will de-risk and accelerate the marine renewable revolution through cost reduction, market readiness and sector confidence and inform technology development and the associated supply chain. Marine geoscience lies at the core of a national strategic approach to optimising the architecture of offshore renewable energy infrastructure.

Currently there is no methodology that integrates sea bed and shallow high resolution sub-surface geoscience data to optimise offshore infrastructure development. This project aims to demonstrate how integrating a range of sea bed geoscience data can develop a model that will provide an effective characterisation of the sea bed (its configuration, composition and condition) which will facilitate effective optimisation, cost reduction and de-risking of offshore infrastructure. Taking a national an integrated infrastructure perspective, (for example incorporating cable burial analysis), the researcher will create a marine geoscience model that will guide an optimal UK infrastructure architecture using sub-surface and sea bed data and analysis and interpretation of hydrographic, bathymetric, seismic, sonar and sample data. The model will be informed by the Quaternary geological history, configuration, composition, processes and sediment resources on the sea bed. Outputs would include a digital database, visualisation and the basis for the creation of a UK-wide and Europe-wide optimal electrical infrastructure architecture as a public reference point. The researcher will become a focus as the authority on the subject and a sea bed expert, communicator and advisor. Marine geoscience will provide opportunity for confidence and innovation in both planning, consenting, technologies and operations – underpinning a strategic and risk-focused approach to choosing the right routes and sites for planning & permitting, stakeholder relationships and optimising sea bed use.