Developing Site Investigation Methodologies and Constraint Mapping Products for Offshore Renewable Energy (DeSIRE)

Project Description

The common challenge in exploiting offshore renewable energy resources is the variable geological structure and dynamics of the seabed. At present there is a paucity of offshore data in Ireland relevant to meeting these engineering challenges. Through the DeSIRE project, advanced geological and seabed conditions survey techniques will be developed which will deliver critical engineering baseline data with a minimum impact on the environment and at a reduced financial cost compared to intrusive site investigations. An offshore field-scale case study area, which is earmarked for significant levels of future development, will be used to validate these techniques. The aim of DeSIRE is to develop tools which will help improve spatial management and enhance the development of offshore renewable energy projects through risk mitigation and so accelerate the offshore renewables sector in Ireland. The main outputs from DeSIRE will be: 1) a best practice site investigation methodology for offshore renewable energy projects using MASW and 3D multichannel sparker seismic, and; 2) Geotechnical assessment and constraint mapping products which provide key baseline data. These outputs will be developed and tailored to suit end-users such as marine spatial planners, consultants and developers and will feed into the assessment and design of offshore renewable energy systems and infrastructure such as cable routes. DeSIRE aims to build on existing strategies and lessons learnt from previous projects in the field of site investigation and have the output tools adapted as 'best practice' in Ireland.