During the mission, we installed a setup featuring multiple Mecal Nodes: compact, robust elements that serve both as scour protection for wind turbines and as habitats for marine life. The Nodes have a diameter of approximately 35 cm and are designed to withstand heavy North Sea storms. Their shape supports the development of reefs around wind turbines.
Offshore Test Site
The Offshore Test Site is the ideal location for testing these types of solutions on a small scale. It’s a plot we rent from the North Sea Farmers, located twelve kilometers offshore. The sea is calmer and shallower here, allowing for more effective monitoring. At this site, we evaluate which artificial structures function best as shelter and breeding grounds for marine life, and which designs are suitable for scaling up in offshore wind farms. We are currently testing five structures in the Offshore Test Site.
What’s next?
Next year, we will return to monitor the structure again: we will check whether the setup has remained in place and investigate how much and what types of marine life have settled on and around the Nodes.
Collaboration
The BeWild project brings together partners from science, engineering and practice, to bridge the gap between wind energy and nature restoration. By combining tested materials and smart monitoring methods, we are taking steps toward wind farms that not only supply energy but also contribute to a richer marine ecosystem.
