A wind farm off the U.K. coast is showing exactly how more affordable energy and marine life can coexist and thrive side by side.
U.K. energy giant RWE has installed a new type of seabed protection that not only shields its turbines from erosion but also doubles as a flourishing habitat for sea creatures, Offshore Energy reported.
Working with ARC Marine, a technology designer, RWE installed an estimated 75,000 reef cubes at the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm.
The reef cubes serve as a scour protection solution to stabilize the seabed. They also create new marine habitats, as they can be colonized by anemones, mussels, and crustaceans, per the BBC.
The BBC reported that Helen Elphick, an innovations partner at RWE, described the pilot project as an exciting opportunity. "It's a real sustainable win-win," Elphick said.
The design prevents sediment from washing away while giving marine species safe areas to feed and reproduce. If replicated in other systems, it could be game-changing in the protection and conservation of marine species.
The installation of the reef cubes is part of the Reef Enhancement for Scour Protection project, with RWE and ARC Marine collaborating on the initiative.
They first tested the reef cubes in 2024 in Sweden at RWE's offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, according to the company's press release. This is the first time both companies are deploying the reef cubes at such a scale.
So, what's next for the scour protection solution?
The two teams involved will monitor the RESP pilot and conduct tests to see how well it works throughout 2026 to 2030. They'll assess the reef cubes and watch them closely to see their interactions with marine life.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Supporting eco-friendly initiatives such as Rampion also keeps coastal areas thriving. It boosts energy independence, bringing real value to people and communities in the region.
|
Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Absolutely 👍 With 116 turbines, Rampion powers around 350,000 homes and cuts harmful carbon pollution by nearly 600,000 tons annually, its official project page noted. It helps improve air quality by reducing reliance on coal, oil, and gas.
It also helps keep energy bills steadier and supports a more reliable electric supply while creating new jobs in maintenance and marine monitoring.
Similar projects, such as Egypt's Amunet Wind Power Plant, show how wind farms can provide clean electricity to homes and boost local economies.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
