Wind Energy – OranjeWind
RWE and TotalEnergies have signed an agreement with ARC marine for the supply of 66 innovative Reef cubes at a section of the future offshore wind farm OranjeWind.
Installation of the foundations of OranjeWind will start in 2026. Once the construction of the offshore wind farm is completed, the 66 Reef cubes will be placed at 11 turbine foundations.
This will be one of the biggest deployments of artificial reef structures at a wind farm in the North Sea to date. With this nature-inclusive project, the companies aim to further enhance the provision of habitats for marine life and research local biodiversity.
In total, 66 Reef cubes will be deployed creating 1,440 m² of surface habitat. Each Reef cube weighs almost 6,000kgs, is 1.5m in height and are made of low-carbon, recycled materials that are certified safe for the marine environment.
Shell materials will be included in the mix to promote native oyster settlement and long-term habitat formation. The cuboid design of the cubes is proven for stability, efficient transport and ease of deployment. They will remain in place for the full operational lifetime of OranjeWind.
The Reef cubes contain cavities and textures which are expected to make them an attractive habitat for marine flora and fauna. Earlier research by ARC marine in the North Sea has shown that a wide range of species lived in and directly around the Reef cubes during trials.
The expectation is that similar results will be delivered at the OranjeWind wind farm. Cod and native oysters have been selected as focal species because they create wider ecological benefits.
By providing the habitat and shelter they require, the project is expected to support a much broader community of marine life across the ecosystem.
