Geological and geophysical expertise has become increasingly indispensable in the site investigation phase of offshore wind farm development, owing to the intricate geological formations involved. However, a significant gap persists in understanding among geotechnical engineers regarding the valuable contributions that geoscientists can offer. Conversely, geoscientists often lack insight into the geotechnical challenges inherent in such projects.
To bridge this divide and foster greater comprehension between the geotechnical and geoscience communities, EAGE and SUT (the Society for Underwater Technology), through their shared interest group on Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics (OSIG), are jointly organizing a global series titled EAGE/SUT Workshop on Integrated Site Characterization for Offshore Renewable Energy.
Offshore renewable energy projects, ranging from near-shore shallow waters to deep-sea environments, face inherent complexities arising from geological histories and varying metocean conditions. A comprehensive approach is required, integrating geological, geophysical, geotechnical, and environmental data within a robust geological and engineering framework.
The joint EAGE/SUT workshops address globally relevant themes which are tailored to region-specific considerations. Serving as a distinctive technical platform, these workshops aim to tackle challenges and progress towards genuinely integrated site characterization and foundation design for offshore renewable energy projects. Furthermore, these workshops will encompass a non-technical component, recognizing the variability of business landscapes across different countries with distinct regulatory and investment environments. Topics will include government permitting processes, license data requirements, site assessment procedures, environmental impact assessments, and industry updates (including market conditions, supply chain dynamics, and perspectives on the project pipeline).
EAGE/SUT Workshop on Integrated Site Characterization for Offshore Renewable Energy
The inaugural workshop is to be held on 20-23 May 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts. This workshop marks a pivotal moment for the offshore renewable energy sector in the United States. Industry experts and academics are encouraged to contribute to the workshop, ensuring a rich and diverse exchange of knowledge that will shape the trajectory of offshore renewable energy development in the US. Submit your abstract before 29 February 2024. More information
The next stop is for the Asia Pacific region to be held on 14-15 August, in Perth, Australia. We welcome abstracts until 30 April 2024 from industry and academia experts to develop a programme of technical presentations and panel discussions addressing the pressing regional challenges for offshore renewable energy development in Australia. More information