Investigation of chemical emissions from offshore wind farms
The Anemoi project studies the chemical emissions from offshore wind farms (OWFs) and their impact on ecosystems and aquaculture. Along with the expansion of OWFs in the North Sea, the environmental impact of OWFs is routinely monitored by assessing the effect of novel habitat introduction, the exclusion of fisheries or the introduction of energy. However, the possible contamination of the marine environment by dissolved and particulate pollutants, e.g. due to corrosion protection systems, is largely overlooked.
As such, Anemoi aims to:
1. identify relevant chemical emissions from OWFs,
2. assess the effect on ecosystem and aquaculture activities,
3. propose solutions and opportunities to reduce chemical emissions from OWFs.
To assess the chemical emissions associated with OWFs, sediment, water and biota samples will be taken at and near OWFs. The impact of chemical contaminants detected on site will be evaluated and current knowledge gaps will be addressed. In consultation with stakeholders, approaches to reduce chemical emissions will be proposed. Current gaps in the legislation will be addressed on an international level. At the Leichtweiß- Institute, the distribution of particulate emissions in the vicinity of offshore wind structures will be investigated in the wave-current flume. Additionally, the distribution of chemical contaminants on a regional scale will be modelled with the help of numerical models.