GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES AND THE SITING OF OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY

This research project was a study into geotechnics and offshore renewable energy. The aim of the study was to assess and apply the geotechnicai requirements for the offshore siting of a range of renewable energy structures. The types of renewable energy that can be used offshore are wind energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and energy from tidal streams. Two suites of geotechnicai data for independent locations were supplied by 'Thaies geosolutions'. Location one is composed mainly of sand, while location two is composed mainly of till. Geotechnicai analysis of the two locations shows them to be both strong and stable and suitable for all the different forms of renewable energy. For wind energy the most appropriate foundation type to use is the mono-pile, although gravity and tripod foundations can also be used. The mono-pile is the only viable foundation type for tidal stream turbines. The only existing technology for wave energy use at present is catenary mooring and anchoring. Tension leg moorings are an alternative option for wave energy devices but further research needs to be carried out. OTEC platforms can be used with a single point mooring system and anchor. The siting of each type of energy has been based solely on the geotechnics of the areas and not other governing factors such as wind speed or water depth. To do this would involve the construction of a much more comprehensive research study. This is an area of future research and a possible continuation for this work.Faculty of Scienc