Cost-effective Lifecycle Ending for Asset Removal in offshore WIND (CLEARWind)

WHY

Over the past two decades, offshore wind energy has expanded rapidly, and this growth is expected to continue, with turbines becoming larger and wind farms more numerous and further offshore. With an operational lifetime of approximately 30 years, the sector is now entering a new phase: decommissioning. By 2040, an estimated 1,000 offshore wind turbines in Europe will have reached the end of their original design life, increasing to around 6,000 by 2050. Although lifetime extension or repowering may delay removal, full decommissioning ultimately becomes unavoidable once assets reach the end of their extended service life.

Despite substantial development in installation methods, the offshore wind industry has not yet undertaken the complete removal of a large-scale wind farm. Full decommissioning, defined as the removal of all structural components above and below the seabed, differs from practices in the oil and gas sector, where partial removal is common. Offshore wind projects are subject to different regulatory, environmental, social and economic expectations, which increasingly favour full removal. Existing experience in major component replacement provides some operational insight, however does not yet offer scalable strategies for the systematic removal of turbines and foundations.

National and international regulations, contractual obligations and evolving environmental standards shape the scope and requirements for decommissioning. This dynamic framework introduces uncertainty for developers and contractors and highlights the need for clear, efficient and technically robust end-of-life strategies. At present, the industry faces knowledge gaps regarding removal methodologies, costs, environmental impacts, logistics and regulatory interactions. Addressing these gaps requires coordinated analysis and shared learning to support responsible, efficient and future-proof offshore wind decommissioning.

WHAT

Within this project, we will examine the decommissioning of offshore wind farms in the Greater North Sea region, with a primary focus on the removal of monopile foundations, including transition pieces. The work is structured as a desk study in which we systematically analyse technical, regulatory, logistical and economic aspects of offshore removal. In the project, we work closely with multiple stakeholders and will use unique input from the experts involved.

Activities begin with a detailed assessment of the regulatory framework governing offshore wind decommissioning across relevant North Sea jurisdictions. This includes mapping applicable legislation, identifying differences between countries and maritime zones, and engaging with regulators and developers to understand current requirements and anticipated changes. Building on this, offshore removal methodologies for monopiles and wind turbines are mapped and evaluated. Existing and emerging techniques are reviewed across a range of turbine sizes, foundation dimensions, and soil conditions, and their technical feasibility, risks, environmental implications, and equipment requirements are assessed. The interface between offshore removal and onshore dismantling and recycling is also examined, including port and yard capacities and component handling requirements.

Representative decommissioning scenarios are then defined for typical offshore wind farms. These scenarios are translated into detailed activity sequences and analysed through logistical simulations that account for weather constraints and yard interfaces. The resulting schedules and resource requirements form the basis for cost–benefit assessments, including estimates of removal costs, recycling value and associated emissions. Finally, findings from all activities are consolidated into a roadmap that identifies knowledge gaps, development priorities and recommended strategies for efficient and responsible offshore wind farm decommissioning.

EXPECTED RESULTS

This project will deliver a structured knowledge base to support the offshore wind sector in preparing for large-scale decommissioning. The project will provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape governing the removal of offshore wind farms in the Greater North Sea region, including identified gaps and anticipated developments. In addition, an in-depth analysis of offshore decommissioning methodologies for monopiles and wind turbines will be produced, together with a review of onshore dismantling and recycling practices and their implications for offshore operations.

Operational method statements and activity lists will be developed to support the planning of offshore removal and transport to shore. Representative decommissioning scenarios will be evaluated through logistical analyses, yielding insights into durations, resource requirements, and sensitivities to weather and infrastructure constraints. A consolidated cost–benefit framework will be established to enable comparison of different strategies, including associated emissions and recycling value. The project will also deliver a roadmap with strategic recommendations and a structured assessment of risks and opportunities to support efficient, responsible and cost-effective offshore wind farm decommissioning.