BETTER Building the nExT generaTion of marine Eco-friendly wind faRm

Summary

The demands on marine space in the EU and worldwide waters have never been greater, driven by the need to provide energy security, develop essential renewable energy infrastructure, create social and economic value and ensure the restoration and future resilience of marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Whilst Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) play a key role in combatting climate change, they are not only vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards but also impact marine biodiversity. Focusing solely on engineering aspects to optimise risks and reliabilities in the design of OWFs without addressing the impact on marine biodiversity is sufficient for meeting the requirements of resilient and sustainable development in future OWFs. Therefore, an urgent shift is necessary from the conventional engineering-oriented design approach and mindset to a more comprehensive approach that integrates both engineering aspects and environmental considerations. BETTER assembles a diverse, multidisciplinary team to train a new generation of Doctoral Candidates (DCs) capable of addressing ambitious scientific objectives. The training environment is highly integrated, cross-disciplinary, and intersectoral, enriched through secondments with non-academic partners. This collaborative approach advocates for a paradigm shift in OWF design, promoting a comprehensive strategy that integrates engineering with deep considerations for environmental impacts. BETTER emphasises critical learning, fostering solutions for climate-resilient OWF construction and sustainable marine development. By providing a collaborative, cross-disciplinary training environment, BETTER equips the 15 DCs with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives to navigate the intersection of engineering, environmental sustainability, and marine biodiversity. In doing so, BETTER addresses immediate challenges and lays a foundation for a sustainable and resilient future for offshore wind energy and marine ecosystems.

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