ANEMOI

Along with the development of offshore wind farms (OWFs) in European waters, several impacts on the marine environment have been identified (e.g.  novel habitats, currents, exclusion of fisheries). In spite of this, possible contamination of the marine environment by dissolved and particulate pollutants, e.g. due to corrosion protection systems, is largely overlooked. 

Corrosion protection systems are needed to protect wind turbines from the harsh conditions of the marine environment. The ANEMOI project partners will study these potential chemical emissions from offshore wind farms (OWFS) and their impact on ecosytems and aquaculture.

The partners in the ANEMOI project aim to:

1. Identify relevant chemical emissions from OWFs; 
2. Assess the effect on ecosystem and aquaculture activities; 
3. Propose solutions and opportunities to reduce chemical emissions from OWFs; and
4. Promote international harmonisation of OWF environmental regulations and evaluate the effects on the quality of seafood cultivated at OWFs.

Within this scope, the following steps will be taken:

• Mapping regulatory differences on chemical emissions of OWF and harmonisation; 
• Characterising chemical and particulate emissions from OWFs:
  • Identification of tracers for offshore wind induced emissions
  • Development of analytical methods
  • Application to field samples
• Determining the impact of chemical leachates from OWFs on aquaculture products and marine life; and
• Suggesting solutions towards OWFs with non-harmful chemical impact.

There is currently a lack of available knowledge on chemical emissions of OWFs. The Anemoi project will address this knowledge gap and propose solutions to minimise chemical emissions. 

There will be a strong focus on collaboration between different sectors in order to create a knowledge base to minimise the impact of OWFs on the marine ecosystem on the international level. This will facilitate opportunities for aquaculture at and around OWFs.