Fugro and Fraunhofer IWES survey two German offshore wind farm areas

In collaboration with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, Fugro's geospatial data will be integrated with IWES ultra-high resolution multichannel seismic data (UHR MCS) and used by BSH to develop geological models of offshore sites and support subsequent geotechnical investigations, according to Fugro.

The collaboration between the two teams ensures an efficient investigation of the sites, from which a preliminary subsurface model will be created that can be used as a basis for future geotechnical investigation campaigns and to reduce risks for future wind farm installations.

Connor Schulze, Fugro’s Business Development Manager of Renewables in Germany, said: "Our demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality Geo-data efficiently has proven to be a great fit with BSH's workflow. Fugro is committed to supporting the German government's energy transition goals, and we are excited to continue our successful partnership with BSH to contribute to the development of German offshore wind farms."

Dr. Julia Haberkern, Group manager of the Geophysical Site Characterisation group in Fraunhofer IWES and project lead explained: “The geophysical investigation is one of the first steps in the planning phase of offshore wind farms. We support the wind energy sector by providing timely, high quality MCS data, maintaining a focus on developing the technology and providing suitable solutions.”

The sites will be auctioned in the coming years and are expected to help reach the target of 30 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.