Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SIMPLER - Simple Installation of MonoPiLEs Retrievable (SIMPLER - Silent Installation of MonoPiLEs Retrievable)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-05-01 bis 2024-08-31
GBM Works is developing the Vibrojet® in the SIMPLER-EIC project as an urgently needed alternative for the hydraulic impact hammer currently used for the installation of large offshore wind turbine foundations and to tackle increasing difficulties to comply with stricter (noise) regulations.
The Vibrojet® consists of a vibratory hammer interface, a retrievable Jet Support System (ViPR:Vibrojet® Pile Reusable) including pumps and water hoses and a jethead that is coupled with quick disconnects components. The installation of the monopile is facilitated by the jetting system that partially fluidizes the inside soil to reduce the inside shaft friction. A vibratory hammer overcomes the remaining resistance to pile driving. Main objectives of the project SIMPLER are:
• Run the project within budget, planning and reaching project goals.
• Prepare the market launch of Vibrojet by creating product awareness, engaging potential clients and end-users and performing presales activities.
• Develop the concept to technical detailed design mechanically and geotechnically. A large test program is included to get the system technical qualified by DNV-GL.
Developing Vibrojet® enables the faster and quieter installation of offshore monopiles and has the following strategic and political impact:
Strategic Context:
1. Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development: it supports the global shift toward renewable energy, helping to meet climate targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Reduced Operational Costs: The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050, and one key focus is the expansion of offshore wind energy. Vibrojet® reduces the overall cost of projects by minimizing labor and equipment rental costs, making offshore wind more competitive.
3. Global Energy Security: The EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy seeks to increase offshore wind capacity to 60 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050. Vibrojet® enables countries to scale up wind energy production faster while having larger turbines, satisfying these goals.
Political Context:
1. Environmental Regulations and Public Support: By reducing the acoustic impact on marine life, Vibrojet® makes offshore wind development aligned with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which require the protection of marine ecosystems from harmful activities.
2. Geopolitical Competition: Offshore wind is critical to meeting Paris Agreement target of reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030. Countries that can adopt more efficient installation technologies will enhance leadership in global clean energy markets, reinforcing geopolitical influence.
3. International Climate Agreements: The European Climate Law (EU) 2021/1119) formalizes the EU’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Expanding offshore wind energy through Vibrojet® helps ensure the EU remains on track to meet its objectives.
4. Job Creation and Industrial Growth: The Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) help regions and industries transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, providing financial support and fostering job creation. Vibrojet® technology support industrial growth in coastal regions and local economies.
The Vibrojet® consists of a vibratory hammer interface, a retrievable Jet Support System (ViPR:Vibrojet® Pile Reusable) including pumps and water hoses and a jethead that is coupled with quick disconnects components. The installation of the monopile is facilitated by the jetting system that partially fluidizes the inside soil to reduce the inside shaft friction. A vibratory hammer overcomes the remaining resistance to pile driving. Main objectives of the project SIMPLER are:
• Run the project within budget, planning and reaching project goals.
• Prepare the market launch of Vibrojet by creating product awareness, engaging potential clients and end-users and performing presales activities.
• Develop the concept to technical detailed design mechanically and geotechnically. A large test program is included to get the system technical qualified by DNV-GL.
Developing Vibrojet® enables the faster and quieter installation of offshore monopiles and has the following strategic and political impact:
Strategic Context:
1. Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development: it supports the global shift toward renewable energy, helping to meet climate targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Reduced Operational Costs: The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050, and one key focus is the expansion of offshore wind energy. Vibrojet® reduces the overall cost of projects by minimizing labor and equipment rental costs, making offshore wind more competitive.
3. Global Energy Security: The EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy seeks to increase offshore wind capacity to 60 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050. Vibrojet® enables countries to scale up wind energy production faster while having larger turbines, satisfying these goals.
Political Context:
1. Environmental Regulations and Public Support: By reducing the acoustic impact on marine life, Vibrojet® makes offshore wind development aligned with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which require the protection of marine ecosystems from harmful activities.
2. Geopolitical Competition: Offshore wind is critical to meeting Paris Agreement target of reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030. Countries that can adopt more efficient installation technologies will enhance leadership in global clean energy markets, reinforcing geopolitical influence.
3. International Climate Agreements: The European Climate Law (EU) 2021/1119) formalizes the EU’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Expanding offshore wind energy through Vibrojet® helps ensure the EU remains on track to meet its objectives.
4. Job Creation and Industrial Growth: The Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) help regions and industries transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, providing financial support and fostering job creation. Vibrojet® technology support industrial growth in coastal regions and local economies.
1. Development of the concept into basic design proving feasibility of the system
Design work included a welded jethead in the monopile and compact feedline design keeping jetting equipment inside the monopile during the installation, to be retrieved after installation is completed due to novel quick disconnects. Steel fabrication costs associated are reduced. The newly developed design will form the foundation for the detailed design, test execution and subsequently commercial exploitation.
2. Development of a method to identify existence of the addressable market based on soil characteristics - completed
Suitability of Vibrojet® technology on representable relevant offshore wind farm sites currently being developed in Europe was investigated. The methodology will be used in future commercial bids to identify suitable sites where Vibrojet® technology can benefit a windfarm developer.
3. Understanding of soil expansion influence on the design of submerged pumps
A study on soil expansion inside the monopile defines the conditions for "clean" seawater pumped through the system, used within current pump design of the reusable system under development.
4. Understanding of promising techniques for penetration through clay
A study of clay cutting technologies has identified promising techniques that will be adapted in the retrievable Vibrojet® design. These techniques will be narrowed down to elect suitable solution and design equipment for testing through laboratory experiments.
5. The certification of Vibrojet® by DNV
GBM Works has obtained the feasibility statement by DNV for the Vibrojet® technology and has submitted technical qualification plan after threat assessments performed by DNV.
Design work included a welded jethead in the monopile and compact feedline design keeping jetting equipment inside the monopile during the installation, to be retrieved after installation is completed due to novel quick disconnects. Steel fabrication costs associated are reduced. The newly developed design will form the foundation for the detailed design, test execution and subsequently commercial exploitation.
2. Development of a method to identify existence of the addressable market based on soil characteristics - completed
Suitability of Vibrojet® technology on representable relevant offshore wind farm sites currently being developed in Europe was investigated. The methodology will be used in future commercial bids to identify suitable sites where Vibrojet® technology can benefit a windfarm developer.
3. Understanding of soil expansion influence on the design of submerged pumps
A study on soil expansion inside the monopile defines the conditions for "clean" seawater pumped through the system, used within current pump design of the reusable system under development.
4. Understanding of promising techniques for penetration through clay
A study of clay cutting technologies has identified promising techniques that will be adapted in the retrievable Vibrojet® design. These techniques will be narrowed down to elect suitable solution and design equipment for testing through laboratory experiments.
5. The certification of Vibrojet® by DNV
GBM Works has obtained the feasibility statement by DNV for the Vibrojet® technology and has submitted technical qualification plan after threat assessments performed by DNV.
In order to achieve objectives of the project, the following key needs are identified to ensure uptake and success:
• Completion of LBC tests Q4-2024
• Completion offshore test SIMPLE III Q1-2025
• Continuation cooperation Deltares & Dieseko (lab space activities)
• Successful Subcontractor management
• Completion of funding transaction
• Attracting offshore pilot agreement for retrievable system
• Completion of LBC tests Q4-2024
• Completion offshore test SIMPLE III Q1-2025
• Continuation cooperation Deltares & Dieseko (lab space activities)
• Successful Subcontractor management
• Completion of funding transaction
• Attracting offshore pilot agreement for retrievable system