Following the UK government’s approval of the £4.8bn Mona Offshore Wind Farm in the Irish Sea, Aggreko is highlighting how bubble curtain technology can help protect marine ecosystems from harmful underwater noise during construction.
With up to 96 turbines and four offshore substations set to be installed, the project marks a milestone in the UK’s clean energy transition. Aggreko is highlighting the critical role of bubble curtain technology in absorbing and dispersing soundwaves from underwater construction activities such as pile driving, to help safeguard marine ecosystems.
“The approval of the Mona Offshore Wind Farm is a major step forward for UK energy security and decarbonization that should be welcomed,” said Sam Hutson, Renewable Energy Specialist at Aggreko. “But as we accelerate offshore wind deployment, we must not lose sight of the environmental responsibilities that come with it.
“One area that must be addressed is the impact of underwater noise during construction. Technologies such as bubble curtains are increasingly being used to reduce that impact, but for these systems to work properly, they rely on a steady supply of clean, oil-free air. If the air supply is inconsistent or contaminated, the effectiveness of the curtain can be compromised, putting marine life at risk,” Hutson said.
Aggreko is also advising organizations involved in offshore construction to consider the environmental performance of their equipment as well as operational reliability and the monitoring capabilities required to ensure they remain operational in such a demanding environment.
Oil-free air compressors, when paired with remote monitoring systems, can help ensure bubble curtain systems remain consistent and effective throughout the construction phase, minimizing the risk of environmental non-compliance or unplanned downtime.
“With environmental regulations tightening across the Irish Sea and beyond, developers face increasing pressure to deliver projects that are both efficient and environmentally responsible,” Sam concludes. “The supply chain can play a key role in supporting this effort, by providing access to compliant, well-maintained equipment and the technical expertise needed to deploy it effectively in complex marine environments.”
More info: www.aggreko.com
