Orsted to trial offshore wind-to-reef initiative in Taiwan

Reefing offshore installations could improve ocean biodiversity but faces regulatory obstacles in the US and Europe

Danish energy company Orsted is to undertake a proof-of-concept study for its ‘Recoral’ method of fostering coral reefs around offshore wind turbines. The trial will take place at its 605MW Greater Changhua 1 project in Taiwan, in collaboration with local research institute the Penghu Marine Biology Research Center. Rising sea temperatures are leading to coral bleaching and death in many parts of the world, destroying the habitat of reef animals. However, turbine foundations can combat the effect by encouraging the vertical mixing of ocean water, according to Orsted. The company successfully grew juvenile corals on underwater steel and concrete substrates at a quayside test facility in Taiwa