Environment

Creating new artificial reefs to the benefit of marine life

When building offshore wind farms it is sometimes necessary to move large boulders from the seabed in order to make room for cables or foundations. At Anholt Offshore Wind Farm, Wind Power has been able to contribute in a positive way to the restoration of nature in the seas in connection with the construction.

More than 5,800 large stones with sizes ranging from nearly one metre to four metres in diameter have been relocated to make space for the cables and foundations for the wind farm. These large stones were used for creating 25 new artificial reefs within the wind farm. They promote the biodiversity in the Danish waters surrounding the Kattegat.

The reefs have been constructed in cone-shaped cavitation rock formations which give optimal breeding and habitat conditions for the flora and fauna that live on and by reefs. The cavities in the reefs attract lobsters, crabs and a variety of gadidea. Moreover, various types of seaweed are growing on the reefs.

Protecting animal life

When constructing offshore wind farms we are sometimes responsible for the installation of the onshore export cable that connect the offshore wind farm to the onshore substation. The installation will often be in open trenches and a corridor of approximately 15-20 meters will be affected by the installation work. During the installation work habitats can be affected. In this case, we will take action to preserve the affected animals, and measures are therefore implemented on the basis of pre-construction surveys.