Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has installed sensors on two of the five gravity base foundations for EDF Energy Renewables’ 41.5MW Blyth demonstration project off the UK.
The sensor systems will collect data on the performance of the foundations off Northumberland, which will be synchronised with ORE Catapult’s met mast.
The measurement campaign is part of the Demowind-funded FS Found project, which is seeking to validate the float and submerge structures.
ORE Catapult technical lead on FS found, Jonathan Hughes, said the monitoring scheme would inform the design of future gravity base foundations.
“[The sensors] will help the industry improve design optimisation and reduce costs, helping to make gravity base foundations commercially viable as a foundation solution,” he said.
EDF is due to install the final Royal BAM-made foundation 6.5km offshore later this week.
Jan de Nul jack-up Vole au Vent will begin installing five MHI Vestas 8MW turbines at the project next month.
Image: ORE Catapult
