The Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) has conducted a boulder detection campaign in the Baltic Sea for ORLEN and Northland Power 1200MW Baltic Power project.
The group deployed the Manta Ray G1 measuring system to survey the planned wind turbine foundations and the subsea cable routes.
This allows for the detection of boulders located up to 100m below the seafloor but also the surveying of shallower objects along cable corridors.
This technology developed by Fraunhofer IWES makes it possible to minimise risks posed by boulders during the installation of wind turbines, offshore substations (OSS), and cables.
The wind farm will comprise 76 wind turbines and two offshore substations.
The project got underway in January 2023, and the IWES project team successfully completed the required offshore data acquisition in summer 2023, which was followed by the data processing and interpretation.
Piotr Ostrowski, Baltic Power Deputy Project Director, said: “Baltic Power selected Fraunhofer IWES based on its innovative technology with a proven track record. Fraunhofer IWES’ methodological expertise ensures not only the accurate recording of geological structures and boulders, but also the reduction of risks and significant cost savings.
“The utilisation of advanced seismic technologies is of great importance for future-proof and sustainable energy projects in the offshore wind industry, particularly in complex sites such as the Baltic Sea.”