EEW has launched a decommissioning strategy for offshore wind after completing its first full monopile dismantling project involving unused foundations from the terminated Ocean Wind 1 and 2 schemes in the US.
The company said dismantling and recycling offshore wind foundations will become increasingly important as many European projects reach the end of their 20-25-year lifespans.
Christoph Schorge, managing director of the EEW Group, stated that the business has been looking into technologies and concepts for the professional dismantling and recycling of foundations “for some time”.
The operator of Ocean Wind 1 and 2 commissioned EEW to dismantle the monopiles after tests confirmed they could not be repurposed due to their site-specific design.
Dismantling took place across two EEW sites, with 25 foundations totalling about 37,500 tonnes processed in the US and a further 66 sections with around 35,000 tonnes handled in Rostock.
Schorge said EEW is the first offshore wind industry company to launch a dismantling project for foundations thanks to its long-standing expertise in designing and constructing monopiles.
He added that a detailed work plan was developed to address safety, weight and material behaviour considerations involved in handling large steel components.
Martin Blodow, HSE manager at EEW SPC, stated that modern robot technology and strict safety standards were used to minimise risks during dismantling.
At Rostock, dismantling was carried out by EEW personnel, while the US work was performed by a subcontractor following EEW’s procedures.
EEW said the monopiles were cut into steel sections that can be easily processed and fully melted down, making the project the first offshore wind initiative to adhere completely to circular economy principles.
Blodow said full steel reuse significantly reduces emissions compared with primary steel production.
Schorge noted that experience from the project positions EEW well as the first offshore wind farms in Europe approach the end of their maximum service life.