RWE begins site investigation for Californian offshore wind project

“The survey is an important step toward developing Canopy Offshore Wind and will help deliver clean energy that meets California’s ambitious climate goals,” said Sam Eaton, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind Holdings. “RWE is committed to responsible, inclusive development by engaging Humboldt residents and indigenous peoples and working closely with the fishing community as we begin the project’s offshore operations.”

RWE has appointed Argeo, a subsea services provider that has supported the development of clean energy projects around the world, to carry out the site exploration work for Canopy.

“Argeo’s extensive experience in marine surveying makes it well-equipped to provide comprehensive and detailed location information. We look forward to working with RWE on this initiative,” said Dave Gentle, Vice President of North and South America at Argeo.

Due to the water depth in the lease area off the US Pacific coast, Argeo will use an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to conduct the surveys. Using an AUV as a survey platform during these initial site characterization efforts will enable the collection of high-quality data near the seafloor, including photographs of biological communities.

Commercial AUVs have been used since the 2000s and are a proven method of collecting geophysical and biological data with minimal impact on the environment and ocean users. They are battery powered and can remain below the ocean surface for extended periods, reducing overall survey time and emissions. The use of AUVs as survey platforms significantly reduces the risk of entanglement in fishing gear as they are not towed devices.

The sensors carried by the AUV operate at safe noise levels and meet California’s requirements for low-power equipment for geophysical surveys, which are designed to minimize impacts on marine mammals and other wildlife.

Ensuring safe marine operations

To comply with U.S. permitting requirements and ensure that the project is conducted in a responsible and safe manner, Canopy’s survey work will utilize certified, independent Protected Species Observers (PSOs) on survey vessels who will operate 24/7 to detect and avoid marine mammals during survey activities and to collect visual observation data of marine animals.

RWE has contracted Geo SubSea and Coastal 35 Consulting to provide PSOs on survey vessels and Smultea Sciences to provide PSO training to Humboldt County tribal and community members to increase participation and employment opportunities for those with local and indigenous knowledge of the area during the site exploration campaign.

Canopy plans to conduct initial site surveys in 2024 and 2025, with initial activities beginning later this month. Through extensive “mapping” of the seabed, the project aims to identify the best locations to install wind turbines, anchors and power cables, and to better understand biodiversity, habitats and other environmental factors to ensure responsible planning and design that minimizes impacts on ocean ecosystems.

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Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/wind/13062024/rwe-to-start-site-investigation-for-californian-offshore-wind-project/