Porpoises, WW2 Mines Increase Costs of German Offshore Wind Projects

Porpoises and unexploded mines left from the Second World War are increasing the costs of offshore wind projects in Germany, while also putting more delays to the country’s energy transition.

Namely, after environmental groups complained that driving foundations into the seabed damages the hearing of porpoises, E.ON and RWE started using equipment that reduces that kind of noise.

Also, Bloomberg informs that, while preparing to lay cables, TenneT TSO GmbH detected several unexploded mines from the Second World War, which must be recovered or detonated, adding to the costs of the project.

This does not only increase the amount of money necessary to develop offshore wind projects, but also leads to even more delays in German race for renewable energy transition.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, August 16, 2012