Offshore wind power: a glimpse of future energy
Offshore wind power is the energy of the future
Offshore wind power is a progressive source of renewable energy. At Sweco, we have extensive experience with offshore wind farm projects. We handle everything from preliminary studies and legal processes to design, implementation, and eventually decommissioning. In all our projects, we emphasize biodiversity conservation, maximizing energy efficiency, and project profitability for our clients.
Offshore wind park project development
The demand for electricity in society is rapidly increasing due to the electrification of various sectors. At the same time, the need to replace fossil fuels with renewable and synthetic energy sources is rising, especially in the industrial sector. Offshore wind power offers a solution, as it allows for significant expansion of electricity production capacity. As technology progresses, offshore wind power will become an even more affordable form of energy production.
Sweco provides a full suite of services for offshore wind farm projects. Our multidisciplinary team takes care of the entire offshore wind turbine design process. The project starts with choosing the right location, which requires accurate assessment of offshore wind resources, permitting, and an environmental impact assessment considering marine life and water bodies.
Our services cover research and preliminary studies, infrastructure design, structural design, electrical design, permitting, safety, and logistics. We also collaborate with ports. Our regional and project development experts, as well as environmental consultants, ensure that the project is executed on time and that production, transmission, and storage of the wind turbine run efficiently.
Offshore wind power: permits, studies, and clarifications
We can handle all the permits, clarifications, and legal procedures required for building an offshore wind farm.
Water permit
A water permit is required for all water construction projects. To comply with its conditions, the environment is closely monitored during construction and operation.
Environmental permits
We evaluate the environmental impacts of the offshore wind turbines, the seabed electric transfer cable, and the coastal electric station. We consider these in all phases: construction, operation, and decommissioning. Our environmental studies always take into account the effects of offshore wind parks on fauna and flora, landscapes, cultural environments, noise, and maritime traffic. We pay special attention to nesting and migratory birds and the effects of offshore wind farms on marine environments.
Site selection studies
The design phase of the offshore wind park begins with meticulous site selection studies. The needs of shipping are considered in area selection, and the project’s effects on shipping are also assessed during environmental impact and zoning phases. In addition, we conduct specific load analyses for offshore wind turbine foundations.
Investment and cost analysis
Before the project, its financial viability is ensured with energy investment studies and profitability analyses. Important aspects of the preliminary studies also include accurate production forecasts, analyses related to the electricity grid connection, electricity market analyses, and turbine capacity planning.
Comprehensive design expertise for offshore wind parks
Comprehensive design expertise for offshore wind parks
Digital tools for offshore wind energy
At Sweco, we utilize the latest technological solutions in our projects. We use many digital tools, such as VirtualSite, PlanPlus, and SmartDrawings. We also offer a wide range of modeling, simulation, and optimization services.
Efficient and steady energy production with offshore wind power
Offshore wind turbines can have different foundations, such as piles, gravity-based structures, trusses, or they can float. Offshore wind turbines are placed in the open sea or shallow sea areas, where the winds are generally stronger and steadier than on land.
Offshore wind parks consist of large rotors that rotate from the wind’s power, and this movement converts mechanical energy into electricity through generators. The electricity is transferred through cables running along the seabed to the coast and further to the electricity grid. The electricity can also be converted into green hydrogen using the electrolysis process.
Advantages of offshore wind energy
Offshore wind power has several significant advantages, making it an attractive option for renewable energy production. It’s generally windier at sea than on land, meaning offshore wind turbines produce more energy and are less dependent on weather conditions. This makes them a reliable option for energy production. They are often located far from the coast, reducing visual disturbances and noise nuisances for populated areas.
Offshore wind power in Finland
Offshore wind power is an essential step towards a more sustainable energy infrastructure and achieving climate goals. It also strengthens Finland’s energy self-sufficiency, reducing the need to import energy from abroad. Offshore wind energy offers Finland a significant growth opportunity, and its prospects are very promising.
Several offshore wind park projects in the Baltic Sea region have progressed in recent years. And more projects are in the pipeline for 2024-2028. Along the Finnish coast and economic zone, projects are planned with a combined power of about 33 GW.
Team Renewable Arctic Finland is an innovation community of Finnish companies that develops sustainable and profitable business from offshore wind energy.
Mikko Helminen
Mika Manninen
Environment Consultant, EIA and environmental permit procedure