Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in industry and the academic community.
PO140: Concrete or Steel? Decarbonizing Offshore Wind Foundations
Javier Abanades, PhD Civil Engineer, TYPSA
Abstract
With offshore wind energy becoming critical for climate change mitigation, the industry increasingly adopts concrete solutions for various applications, from fixed gravity-based structures (GBS) to floating platforms and artificial energy islands. This study responds to a recurrent question in the industry: are concrete-based solutions more carbon efficient than steel-based ones? To answer this questions, this works delivers a detailed carbon footprint assessment of solutions of the offshore wind foundations The research compares fixed and floating steel-based structures with concrete-based alternatives from a sustainability standpoint. Specific comparisons include a 17 MW turbine installation at 40m water depth comparing jacket foundations versus TYPSA GBS solutions, and a 17 MW floating system at 100m water depth comparing concrete barges against three-column semi-submersible steel platforms. Using standardized life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology (ISO 14040-based according to UNE EN 17472), the study evaluates carbon emissions from raw material extraction through material production (cradle-to-gate approach, stages A1-A3). The assessment integrates data from the Ecoinvent database and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), applying IPCC 2013 baseline models over a 100-year timeframe. Preliminary results indicate that conventional GBS solutions emit approximately 50% less carbon dioxide than jackets, which are in turn in the same range of emissions that floating concrete solutions. Floating steel solution, however, feature three times more emissions that their concrete counterparts. Additional analysis highlighted that the use of green-optimized technologies can lower the emissions of every single studied typology by at least half. This research provides quantified decision-making tools for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders developing offshore wind farms, emphasizing foundation selection based on environmental impact. The study contributes to ongoing innovation in offshore wind infrastructure optimization, supporting global sustainable energy transition through evidence-based material and structural system selection
No recording available for this poster.
