Methodological-planning analysis and assessment of the impacts on marine nature during the dismantling of offshore wind farms, subsea cables and other infrastructure lines in the marine area, as well as the subsequent use of routes and areas

Due to the high number of planned and already erected and operational offshore wind farms and subsea cables, usable space is limited, so that the dismantling of decommissioned offshore wind farms and cables or the subsequent use of offshore wind farm areas and subsea cable routes is increasingly being discussed. Offshore wind farms currently in operation have an operational life of 20 to 25 years, after which they are to be completely dismantled. Experience with nature-compatible dismantling is largely lacking or limited so far. Both the technical possibilities and the associated impacts on marine nature are difficult to assess. The project "Offshore Dismantling" is intended to provide an overview of the technical developments and practically implementable dismantling options for both offshore wind energy plants (OWEA), especially their foundations and scour protection, as well as for subsea cables and converter platforms, which are available and possibly already tested, based on literature and practical examples. In particular, current technical developments and testing of methods are to be considered (WP 1). Based on this, the dismantling of the various components is to be described and assessed according to its nature compatibility, i.e. according to its predictable impacts on marine nature (WP 2), thus developing a basis for decision-making for future procedures. Furthermore, necessary action and research needs regarding applicability and further development are to be assessed (WP 3).