RWE says it has completed a feasibility study which proves large-scale native oyster reef restoration can be executed at offshore wind farms in the North Sea.
The renewable energy developer carried out the six-month study in partnership with The Oyster Restoration Company (TORC).
RWE said the feasibility study provides a pathway for the wider offshore wind industry to identify credible biodiversity solutions that are scalable and verifiable.
Throughout the feasibility testing, RWE and TORC jointly developed a series of technical assessment, evaluations and solutions from engineering and deployment to verification frameworks.
Flat oysters are an important species because they can create reefs that provide food and breeding grounds for many other species.
Due to the harmful impacts of factors such as overfishing, pollution, and parasites, only 5% of the pre-industrial population remains across the North Sea.
The research initiative was carried out at TORC’s hatchery in Scotland (pictured). Through laboratory tests, the project evaluated different natural and artificial hard substrates, such as shells or bricks, and to decide which could be deployed to maximise the creation of new reefs.
“The question is no longer if we can restore oysters at scale offshore,” said TORC chief executive Nik Sachlikidis. “Together with RWE, we’ve combined hatchery capacity, engineering know-how, and science to deliver a pathway for measurable biodiversity gain. Practically, affordably, and now.”
RWE’s chief operating officer for offshore wind Thomas Michael added: “By acting early, RWE is stepping up its capability and readiness to help benefit marine biodiversity in and around its offshore wind projects.
“We have a firm responsibility to not just mitigate but also to enhance the environments in which we build and operate.
“Through this promising initiative with The Oyster Restoration Company, we have established a verifiable tool that demonstrates tangible results and supports the credibility of RWE’s net positive ambitions on biodiversity.”
The findings from this project are expected to support the ambitions of offshore wind companies to contribute to the restoration of important marine habitats across wide areas of the North Sea in the UK and Europe.