OWiDEx | Offshore Wind Decommissioning Expertise centre

The OWiDEx project aims to centralise fragmented knowledge and foster innovation in the decommissioning of offshore wind turbines in Belgium, enhancing sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By creating a collaborative platform for stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, the project will develop comprehensive strategies and practical solutions for the sector. This initiative promises to streamline processes and improve decision-making in the decommissioning of offshore wind infrastructure.

Context 

The OWiDEx project is a strategic initiative designed to address the emerging challenges in the decommissioning of offshore wind turbines, a sector in which Belgium has established itself as a global leader. As the first generation of offshore wind turbines approaches the end of its operational life, there is a growing necessity to develop effective strategies for the dismantling and recycling.
The motivations behind OWiDEx are multifaceted. First, there is a significant knowledge fragmentation across various stakeholders involved in the offshore wind sector—from installation and maintenance to decommissioning. This project seeks to unify and centralise this knowledge, thus enabling a cohesive and informed approach to the decommissioning process. 

Furthermore, the project is driven by environmental considerations. The decommissioning of offshore wind turbines presents unique environmental challenges, particularly in terms of recycling and waste management. The composite materials used in turbine blades and other components are difficult to process and recycle, presenting both technical and ecological challenges. OWiDEx aims to analyse the opportunities to process the materials of decommissioning offshore wind farms in Belgium, based on the current available capacities as well as on the opportunities to pioneer at scale.

Economic motivations also play a crucial role. The decommissioning of wind turbines involves substantial costs and logistical complexities. Through collaborative research and development, the project intends to optimise the decommissioning process to make it more cost-effective and efficient, thereby enhancing the economic viability of renewable energy investments in the long run.

OWiDEx is a comprehensive response to the practical, environmental, and economic challenges posed by the decommissioning of offshore wind turbines. It represents a proactive effort to sustain Belgium’s leadership in the renewable energy sector, ensuring that the decommissioning phase of wind energy infrastructure is as innovative and efficient as its development and operational phases.

Objective and results

• To consolidate fragmented knowledge from various domains into a centralised expertise centre, ensuring a unified approach to decommissioning. This effort will result in the creation of an inclusive repository that stakeholders can access for updated and detailed information on decommissioning processes and best practices, including a research and development roadmap on repowering and decommissioning, put forward by Belgian industry and academic institutions.
• To produce a set of tools including an economic model and a digital simulation/visualisation tool, based on careful analysis of decommissioning logistics and cost structures. These tools will help stakeholders assess and plan decommissioning activities more efficiently, thereby allowing to reduce overall costs and ecological footprint. The tools will be supported by detailed reports and visuals to communicate the main results.
• To enhance industry and government collaboration through the development of a strategic framework and a series of policy recommendations. Deliverables will include a comprehensive Belgian action plan for decommissioning, as well as several workshops and final event proceedings that will help disseminate findings and foster dialogue among all participants, and ensure a sustainable cooperation between the different partners.

Approach

The OWiDEx project leverages a consortium of experts from academic institutions, government bodies and industry leaders. They will undertake joint research activities, share data and develop collaborative platforms. 

Target group

The OWiDEx project stands to benefit a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government agencies, which will gain improved regulatory frameworks, and companies in the wind energy sector, which can adopt more cost-effective and sustainable decommissioning practices. Academic and research institutions will access valuable data for advancing offshore wind technologies, with increased focus on sustainable practices. Interested parties engage actively in workshops, contribute data, implement findings into their operational strategies and provide in-kind support, to help propel forward the objectives of the project.