OWiDEx

As a global leader in the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, Belgium now faces the challenge of decommissioning the first generation of offshore wind turbines. This raises many questions about the decommissioning process and the desired value chain.

Existing knowledge is spread over various experts who can provide advice within their own field, such as legislation, logistics, recycling, cost efficiency and environmental impact. To tackle this challenge, the project partners want to promote cooperation between government, industry and knowledge institutions to facilitate further steps.

OWiDEx brings all elements together and provides a clear overview of state-of-the-art knowledge. It also forms the starting signal for a long-term collaboration between knowledge institutions, government and companies. Expertise, knowledge and research are incorporated into a platform of expertise that is made available to policy makers and industry.

The result will be a Belgian decommissioning plan that enjoys broad support and enables policymakers and industry to make more informed decisions. This plan will take into account a variety of aspects, such as legislation, environmental impact, logistics and cost efficiency. OWiDEx strives to provide a clear roadmap for research and development, as well as a strategy to preserve and make further use of the available assets.

Several steps will be taken to achieve the above result:

• Mapping the logistics chain 
• Mapping factors that have an impact on decommissioning, such as: 
  • Interactions with the marine ecosystem 
  • Options in the field of material processing 
  • Legal framework 
  • Future perspectives 
• Drafting a Belgian plan for the decommissioning of offshore wind turbines.