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.
PO364: Electromagnetic Fields from Submarine Power Cables in Floating Offshore Wind: Modeling and Ecological Implication
Clàudia Palà, Project Engineer, Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC)
Abstract
The expansion of offshore wind relies on submarine power cables to deliver electricity from offshore facilities to onshore grids. These cables generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) that may interact with marine biodiversity. Natural magnetic and electric fields are essential cues for magneto- and electroreceptive species, enabling navigation and prey detection. Anthropogenic EMF distortions may therefore affect ecological processes, with observed behavioral responses such as migration delays and route deviations. Floating offshore wind farms, increasingly relevant in deep waters, use both dynamic cables suspended in the water column and static cables buried or laid on the seabed. Their configuration influences exposure levels. The dominant technology is the three-core alternating current (AC) cable, in which 120° phase-shifted currents combine to produce a rotating magnetic field around the cable axis. While most studies focus on high-voltage direct current cables under steady-state conditions, less attention has been paid to AC submarine cables in floating offshore wind farms, where variability in generation and demand is significant. This work quantifies the magnitude and variability of EMF generated by three-core AC cables in FOWF, considering that power transmission fluctuates with offshore wind generation and onshore demand. Simulated EMF levels are systematically compared with existing ecological evidence on magneto- and electroreceptive species. The insights derived from this work can support subsea cable design, and guide mitigation strategies to address the growing biodiversity concerns associated with offshore wind development.
No recording available for this poster.
