During the foundation installation at 582MW Gode 1 & 2 offshore wind farm in Germany, Dong Energy has kept a noise pollution to a minimum.
For the installation of 7.5-metre diameter monopiles, the company used a large bubble curtain and a tailor-made soundproof pipe which lowered the sound level below the limit of 160 decibels.
“In fact the noise levels during construction at Gode Wind are far lower,” the company said.
“This is a very special achievement,” says Trine Borum Bojsen, CEO of DONG Energy in Germany, responsible for the offshore wind sector. “The protection of marine species is of special concern.”
German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has set the limitation of 160 decibels at a distance of 750 metres around the piling source to protect marine animals, especially harbor porpoise.
In a few weeks, Dong Energy plans to install the last of the 97 foundations at the 582 MW wind farm.
The wind farm is due online next year when it will be able to provide electricity for around 600,000 German households.