Sound emission in offshore pile driving by vibratory devices

Abstract

Offshore wind energy has gained recognition inEurope as a pivotal solution for transitioning to renewable energy sources. Due to limited land space, the European seas offer immense potential for offshore wind energy. The EU Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy advocates for an accelerated expansion of offshore wind, aiming to achieve 60 GW of capacity by 2030 and an ambitious target of 300 GW by 2050. This growth necessitates substantial investments and has been further underscored by the need to replace Russian fossil fuel imports, prompting additional targets for offshore wind capacity. A major environmental concern in offshore wind farm construction is the substantial underwater sound generated during the installation of wind turbine foundations. Most North Sea wind turbines are founded on monopile structures, which involve driving a single hollow cylindrical steel pile into the seabed using impact hammers. This process emits powerful underwater pressure waves that impact marine animals dependent on underwater sound for navigation, communication, and predator-prey relationships. Studies have shown that elevated underwater noise adversely affects marine animals’ physical health and behaviour, with severity dependent on sound pressure levels, frequency bands, and water particle motion. Constructing these wind farms, especially installing monopile foundations, is one of the loudest human-induced underwater sound sources and generates substantial underwater noise that adversely affects marine life. This results in the need for effective noise mitigation strategies, such as quieter driving tools, to protect marine ecosystems while supporting the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure...