Applicability of the “Frame of Reference” approach for environmental monitoring of offshore renewable energy projects

Abstract

This paper assesses the applicability of the Frame of Reference (FoR) approach for the environmental monitoring of largescale offshore Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) projects. The focus is on projects harvesting energy from winds, waves and currents. Environmental concerns induced by MRE projects are reported based on a classification scheme identifying stressors, receptors, effects and impacts. Although the potential effects of stressors on most receptors are identified, there are large knowledge gaps regarding the corresponding (positive and negative) impacts. In that context, the development of offshore MRE requires the implementation of fit-for-purpose monitoring activities aimed at environmental protection and knowledge development. Taking European legislation as an example, it is suggested to adopt standardized monitoring protocols for the enhanced usage and utility of environmental indicators. Towards this objective, the use of the FoR approach is advocated since it provides guidance for the definition and use of coherent set of environmental state indicators. After a description of this framework, various examples of applications are provided considering a virtual MRE project located in European waters. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are provided for the successful implementation of the FoR approach and for future studies.

Multi-criteria site selection for offshore renewable energy platforms

“…Applying a 1km buffer zone around Natura2000 zones to further ensure minimal impact on these areas only eliminates a very small additional percentage of suitable sites for combined platforms, reflecting that the majority of the Natura2000 restrictions apply in coastal areas, which do not meet other criteria for these platform designs. It may be the case that in deeper waters, different environmental concerns apply, and a monitoring plan for these has been developed (described in [32]). Comparing the three platform options overall, the wind-only devices offer the largest number of potential sites overall, as the wave resource is sufficiently strong in fewer locations.…”

Cloud-Based Decision Support Ecosystem for Renewable Energy Providers

“…Considering the specific requirements related to renewable energy production, storage, and distribution, research efforts in recent years have focuses on more advanced solutions able to facilitate renewable energy management and decisionmaking for independent or connected to public supply networks. Research has been carried out on renewable energy monitoring [12]; interoperability issues [8]; algorithms for fast oscillation detection [13]; environmental monitoring [14], linear and non-linear optimization algorithms used in renewable energy sources [15]; production of scientific knowledge on renewable energy [16]. Research addressing decision-making concerned energy availability for consumers, safety power supplying; reducing costs and maximizing generation [17].…”

Marine Mammal Behavioral Response to Tidal Turbine Sound

“…Sound produced by marine energy converters may result in changes to local habitat use and foraging behavior through displacement (the movement of an animal out of the local area, or their avoidance of that area) and variation in normal movement patterns (Leeney et al 2014, Copping et al 2016. While measurements to date suggest that operational sounds of marine energy converters will not rise to levels that will cause injury, sounds are expected to periodically rise to a level that may cause behavioral changes (Garel et al 2014, Copping et al 2016. Interference with navigation and communication may also occur via acoustic masking (Erbe et al 2016, Garel et al 2014, Samuel et al 2005, Wilhelmsson et al 2010.…”

“…While measurements to date suggest that operational sounds of marine energy converters will not rise to levels that will cause injury, sounds are expected to periodically rise to a level that may cause behavioral changes (Garel et al 2014, Copping et al 2016. Interference with navigation and communication may also occur via acoustic masking (Erbe et al 2016, Garel et al 2014, Samuel et al 2005, Wilhelmsson et al 2010. Potential effects of a marine energy project will vary depending on its scale, location and the stage of development (Leeney et al 2014).…”