Helping communities around the world harness the power of offshore wind

GHD’s geographic footprint has enabled us to support developers all over the world, and at every stage of the offshore windfarm process. This enables us to look at projects holistically: from origination, site evaluation and environmental impacts, right through to power and transmission design, green hydrogen integration and ports / harbour development.

In the UK, our team continues to provide engineering support to one of the world's biggest offshore windfarm developments: Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas. GHD first commenced work on this project in 2016 and, when complete, these windfarms will generate up to 3.6 GW of electricity for an estimated 1.5 million homes, harnessing innovative High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology to optimise this long-distance, high-capacity development.

We have also continued working in the offshore transmission space in assisting with the transfer of over 1.5 GW of assets through the Ofgem OFTO regime and supporting the implementation of HVDC interconnectors between the UK and continental Europe. Our team has also commenced work on the second stage of the EDF Blyth Offshore Demonstrator project, a test site for new offshore wind technologies that will demonstrate innovative floating solutions.

The Philippines offers huge offshore wind potential, but no offshore windfarms yet. Engaged by an international developer, GHD is evaluating nine potential offshore windfarm sites around the country and will also carry out site investigations for permitting once a preferred site has been identified.

Our work on the Victorian Offshore Wind Cost-Benefit Analysis and Business Case marks the first time an Australian state government has sought to establish a platform for considering and vetting future private sector proposals for offshore windfarm developments. Won in partnership with Nous and awarded by the Victorian Government, the project will involve a critical assessment of offshore wind generation as a potential complement to the state's onshore renewable energy supplies.

GHD has also been assisting Oceanex in Australia and New Zealand, working on early project development investigations for a suite of potential offshore wind projects. These sites will use floating platforms in deeper waters than traditional wind turbines, which are installed on piles, potentially marking the start of a massive new industry – Oceanex estimates capital expenditure for their five priority offshore wind projects in Australia to be AUD47 billion.

The GHD team in the US is supporting Ørsted Wind Energy with its windfarm project off the New Jersey coast. We are also actively engaged in early concept stage discussions with developers on both the East Coast and in the deeper waters on the West Coast, where floating wind technology solutions will be required. Our approach in the US has been to partner with developers to accelerate site selection concepts and create socio-economic value for the proponent and local community, spurred by growing momentum in green infrastructure investment and development.

The sheer size and power of offshore wind turbines presents an exciting opportunity to dramatically increase clean energy production in the race to net zero. Standing close to 300 metres tall, offshore turbine blades can be twice the length of their onshore equivalents, while the newest models can produce up to 14MW of power, in comparison to a typical onshore wind turbine which produces around 2-4MW. Building wind farms at sea also has fewer community impacts than building on land.

Wind power will be an essential part of the future energy mix. We are proud to play our part in helping communities connect to clean and reliable power, and to support nations in building sustainable, reliable energy networks for future generations.