Foundations for Renewable Energy

Almost one third of global CO2 emissions are related to energy production, calling for environmentally sustainable solutions. To address this challenge, the energy industry is turning to renewable energy sources. In the context, the EU has set as a target 32% of its energy to be produced by renewable sources by 2030. Wind power is recognized as one of the most promising such sources, and has seen major technological advances in recent years. Offshore wind turbines (OWT) are increasingly adopted by the industry. Offshore sites are more efficient and reliable, as they are characterized by stronger and more stable wind conditions. Moreover, space is abundant offshore, allowing the development of larger farms.

Despite their advantages, their development is impeded by their cost. The foundation cost may be as high as 35% of the total cost, calling for improved design and construction techniques and cost efficient solutions, which is the subject of our work. Employing validated numerical analysis methods, we have been exploring the long-term cyclic response of OWT foundations and the effect of combined environmental (wind and waves) and seismic loading. Our work has led to the development of a hybrid foundation concept, combining a monopile with a lightweight circular footing, composed of steel plates and stiffeners and backfilled to increase the vertical load (external page J69).