16-Tonne ExoReef Deployment
➤ Summer 2023 - Winter 2025 ➤ META Test Site, Pembrokeshire ➤ MEECE ➤ Hiraeth Energy ➤ PEBL
Artist impression of the deployment
Problem
Scouring is the removal of sediment by underwater currents, and is a major challenge faced by offshore wind developers. Crushed rock is commonly placed around crucial infrastructure to prevent scouring, and while effective, represents poor habitat opportunities for marine life.
Solution
Exo Engineering, in collaboration with ORE Catapult, the Marine Energy Test Area (META), Hiraeth Energy and PEBL, have deployed 16-tonnes of our subtidal ExoReef units in the Celtic Sea. In comparison to traditional scour protection methods, our units include a variety of features and have been specifically designed to provide habitats for marine species. These will be monitored over an 18-month period using a range of exciting techniques, including innovative underwater cameras and eDNA surveys.
The 16-tonnes of deployed units included 2 sizes of our ExoHedron, ExoSpheres, a marine frond mattress in collaboration with SSCS, an articulated mattress with nature-inclusive design elements in collaboration with ARC Marine, and multiple 500kg ExoAnchors. Each of our solutions will be compared to the current industry standard of scour protection to assess whether their Nature-Inclusive Design elements provide better habitats for marine life whilst retaining their protective functionality.
Results
Prior to monitoring changes to biodiversity at the deployment site, eDNA samples were taken to establish a baseline biodiversity level. During the 18-month monitoring period, Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV), ROV surveys and PEBL’s fixed underwater cameras will be used over the 18-month monitoring period to observe changes in biodiversity over time.
