Offshore wind energy

Developing a large offshore wind project is a complex undertaking. A large number of interfacing issues need to be resolved at all stages of the development process; from the initial idea to the time when the turbines are installed and in operation. Ramboll has the knowledge and experience required to eliminate the guess-work and to provide the answers in a systematic manner. We offer a full range of services from planning and project development to implementation and follow up on operation, maintenance and decomissioning.

Energy planning

Large-scale and cost-effective use of wind energy requires offshore wind farms and the integration of wind energy into the power grid. Ramboll establishes and reviews national and regional energy planning and incorporates wind energy into the planning schemes. We investigate the possibilities of combining wind energy with other energy sources with regard to carbon emissions, economy, security of supply and the electrical infrastructure.

Project development

Once an offshore wind farm has been decided, we typically provide support and advice as the owner's engineer throughout the development process on relevant technical, environmental and financial matters.

Site investigations

Based on factors such as the choice of turbine and site conditions, Ramboll carries out all the necessary analyses to select the foundation type best suited for your offshore wind farm project. These analyses include assessment of met-ocean data, geophysical and geotechnical investigations, wind studies, EIS and EIA, and navigational risk analyses.

Structural design

Ramboll is the world leader within offshore foundation designs for wind turbines. We have performed more than 1200 individual designs for 21 offshore wind farms, totalling more than 50% of what is installed. The designs are carried out by means of an advanced and state-of-the-art software design tool developed in-house. We perform conceptual or detailed design of all parts of the wind project including towers, foundations and the structures for transformer platforms.

We have experience from designing all types of turbine and substation platform foundations using both steel and concrete. We design within three main types of foundations: From the popular and cost-effective monopile to concrete gravity-base structures and jackets.