Offshore wind project enters stage two

The Carbon Trust announced the stage two launch of the Offshore Renewable Joint Industry Project (ORJIP) for Offshore Wind. Over the next four years, the programme will provide a framework to identify, develop, initiate and conduct impactful, strategic research and development projects.

Jan Matthiesen, director of offshore wind at the Carbon Trust, said: “The Carbon Trust is extremely excited to launch ORJIP Offshore Wind Stage 2, with the backing of key players across the industry. Stage 1 created a solid foundation to build on and we look forward to working with the partners to advance a progressive programme of research to reduce the consenting risk associated with offshore wind development.”

Building evidence base

Stage two activities will build on the existing evidence base in respect of the overall environmental impact of offshore wind projects. This will also help to better inform consenting authorities and offshore wind farm developers on the environmental risk that is associated with planned and existing offshore wind projects.

ORJIP Offshore Wind was originally launched in 2012. During Stage one, the programme made a significant contribution to the evidence base around the impact of offshore wind on marine life, which has allowed for more informed consenting decisions to be made. Major studies included an investigation into the efficacy of Acoustic Deterrent Devices on different marine mammals and a pioneering two-year study to record and quantify the avoidance behaviour of seabirds around offshore wind farms.

By Rebecca Jeffrey