Diego Baynes’ Post

Exciting #News 📢 | #WindFloatAtlantic offshore wind farm celebrates 4 years of clean energy generation! 🎉 This project not only surpasses expectations with a remarkable 320 GWh of clean energy but also leaves a legacy, driven by a deep commitment to local communities, the future workforce, the fishing industry, and environmental stewardship. 🎯 Three #floating turbines began supplying power in July 2020, and to date, they have: ➡ generated an impressive 320 GWh ➡ provided clean energy to 25,000 households in Portugal each year ➡ avoided over 33,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year ➡ coexisted with more than 270 species within our offshore wind farm 💡 Did you know this project has also proven its resilience, withstanding the challenges of Storm Ciaran in 2023, with waves reaching up to 20 meters and wind gusts of 139 km/h?🌪️ This 4th anniversary also marks a before and after for OW Ocean Winds, as we celebrate Pedro Afonso Rodrigues, a Viana do Castelo local and international kitesurfer, as our very first #OWAmbassador.🌍🏄 In words of José Pinheiro, Country Manager for Southern Europe at OW and Project Director of #WindFloatAtlantic: "We are proud to see our project making a greater impact each year. At OW, our commitment goes beyond the environment—we engage with the Viana community through educational programs, visits, and active participation in this globally significant project." Read the full announcement 👉 https://lnkd.in/dvhNTRqa #ProudtobeOW #floating #OffshoreWind #RenewableEnergy 

The Bunbury Offshore Wind Area has been declared! After receiving 2,670 submissions DCCEEW has just declared the 3,995km2 region, with a potential of 11.4GW. The declared area: - is at least 30 km offshore and 40-50 km from most towns to reduce potential visual impacts of offshore wind turbines on views along the coastline of Geographe Bay - allows space for the safe management of shipping to and from the Port of Bunbury and through to Fremantle - has removed more than 60% of area requested by recreational fishers, including the hotspot Naturaliste Reef - provides unobstructed access to Naturaliste Reef for boats launched from Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Binningup - has further reduced overlap with commercial fisheries including the West Coast Demersal Scalefish and Southern Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline fisheries - is further away from known Southern Right Whale habitat, to further reduce the chance of impacts - avoids the Ancient Coastline at 90-120 metres depth – a Key Ecological Feature, with potential First Nations cultural significance - is large enough to support development of offshore wind in Western Australia. Feasibility Licence Applications are open from 3 September until 6 November 2024. https://lnkd.in/gexAdGBF

Rest in wind: Fish hotels and fake coral reefs are among a suite of suggestions on how to boost the biodiversity of #offshore #wind farms set out in a new report. https://lnkd.in/eCCBwNtZ

#WindPower #BladeFailure #VineyardWindProject #GEVernova "The federal agency that suspended the Vineyard Wind project following the July 13 blade failure is now requiring the company to complete a new study evaluating the "environmental harm" caused by the incident in the waters southwest of Nantucket, according to a document obtained by Nantucket Current. In a Sept. 27 letter from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) addressed to Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller, the agency ordered the offshore wind energy company to "conduct a site-specific study that evaluates the environmental harm and other potential damage flowing from" the blade failure, and to identify potential mitigation measures for that damage. The order was obtained by Nantucket Current through a Freedom of Information Act request to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Vineyard Wind project remains under a suspension order from BSEE following the disastrous turbine blade failure on July 13 that left Nantucket's beaches littered with foam and fiberglass debris. That order was modified in August to allow Vineyard Wind to continue installing turbine towers and nacelles, but it is forbidden from producing power or installing blades. According to the BSEE order signed Kathryn Kovacs, the deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management at the U.S. Department of the Interior who is exercising the delegated authorities of the BSEE Director, Vineyard Wind was required to submit a plan for the study on Oct. 11, but was eligible to appeal the order. It's not yet clear if the company appealed the order or not. Both Vineyard Wind and BSEE officials did not immediately return requests for comment on Wednesday. The required study "should characterize the subsea debris field resulting from the blade failure and the potential impacts or damage to onshore, coastal, and offshore resources from the blade debris." ... Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova have just begun the retrieval of the blade debris from the sea floor around the damaged turbine, an effort that is being led by the contracted salvage company Resolve Marine. While the order imposes another hurdle on Vineyard Wind in the aftermath of the blade failure, it may not represent a further delay in resuming construction activities. In the order sent to Vineyard Wind, BSEE stated that the required study is "separate and distinct" from its suspension order, and that construction activities currently prohibited may resume prior to the completion of the study if the suspension order is modified or lifted. ..."

St Abbs head is an important region for seabirds like the fulmar. A precautionary approach is required to any renewable development to ensure minimum impact. Questions remain in terms of assessment methods and mitigation measures here.

When it comes to developing wind energy projects, it's not just about building turbines. Before construction can begin, key environmental surveys and studies are conducted to understand and limit potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystems.

When it comes to developing wind energy projects, it's not just about building turbines. Before construction can begin, key environmental surveys and studies are conducted to understand and limit potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystems.

When it comes to developing wind energy projects, it's not just about building turbines. Before construction can begin, key environmental surveys and studies are conducted to understand and limit potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystems.

As a sometimes sailor nearing a time when she can do more sailing, I am excited to learn about Open Waters Solar. A much needed addition to the energy options available in the marine sector.

Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm Limited, is pleased to have collaborated with 11 other projects in the East and Northeast ScotWind regions, through the North East and East Developers Group (NEEOG), to commission a study examining potential regional ornithological compensation measures that could be deployed at scale and contribute to the increased resilience of seabird populations in Scotland. This important study was carried out by Royal Haskoning DHV, Hi-Def Consulting, with input from Nima Consultants. The study highlights the challenge the industry is facing in delivering offshore wind at scale under the current regulations. The developers are pleased the Scottish Government has launched its Joint Environmental Accelerator Project (JEAP) initiative and are keen to continue the proactive, collaborative work to ensure these projects deliver real environmental benefit as well as delivering net zero. The developers involved believe significant focus on this issue is essential to delivering Scotland’s 2045 net zero targets and realising the wider benefits of ScotWind. Continued collaboration between all stakeholder groups to develop a practicable and appropriate approach to compensation measures is vital to meet net zero and energy security needs, and to unlock the significant socio-economic benefits to Scotland and the wider UK which the ScotWind projects could enable. Projects involved: Ayre, Bowdun, Ossian, Bellrock, Morven, CampionWind, MarramWind, Muir Mhòr, Stromar, Caledonia, Broadshore, and Buchan. #ScotWind