RWE, a global leader in offshore wind energy, has announced the start of site investigation surveys for its Canopy Offshore Wind Farm project off the coast of Northern California.
This marks a significant milestone in the development of RWE’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm, with a planned capacity of 1.6 GW, enough to power 640,000 homes with clean energy.
Survey to Gather Crucial Data for Responsible Development
The site investigation survey will collect vital data about the federal lease area and the surrounding waters.
Sam Eaton, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind Holdings, emphasizes the importance of this step in meeting California’s ambitious climate goals while ensuring responsible and inclusive development.
RWE is committed to engaging with local communities, including Humboldt residents and Tribal Nations, and working closely with the fishing community during offshore activities.
Argeo to Lead Survey Operations
RWE has selected Argeo, a renowned subsea service provider with extensive experience in clean energy projects, to conduct the site investigation.
Argeo will utilize an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) due to the water depths in the lease area. Dave Gentle, Vice President for North and South America at Argeo, expresses confidence in their ability to deliver comprehensive site information.
Minimizing Environmental Impact with AUV Technology
The use of an AUV enables high-quality data collection near the seafloor, including photographs of biological communities, while minimizing environmental impact. AUVs are battery-powered, reducing emissions and survey time.
They also pose a lower risk of entanglement with fishing gear compared to towed equipment.
To ensure safe operations for marine wildlife, Canopy’s survey work will adhere to U.S. permitting requirements.
Certified Protected Species Observers (PSOs) will be on duty 24/7 to detect and avoid marine mammals during survey activities.
RWE has partnered with Geo SubSea, Coastal 35 Consulting, and Smultea Sciences to provide PSOs and training for local community members, fostering involvement and workforce opportunities.
Mapping the Seafloor for Responsible Planning
The initial site investigation surveys will continue through 2024 and 2025, with the first activities starting this month.
By comprehensively mapping the seafloor, the project will identify optimal locations for wind turbines, anchors, and electric cables.
This data will also help assess biodiversity, habitats, and other environmental factors to ensure responsible planning and design that minimizes the impact on ocean ecosystems.
RWE’s commitment to responsible development and its investment in innovative survey technology demonstrate a dedication to advancing offshore wind energy while safeguarding the environment and engaging local communities.
The Canopy Offshore Wind Farm project holds great promise for California’s clean energy future.