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RWE’s Kaskasi offshore wind farm has reached a new milestone in marine ecosystem monitoring, becoming the first site in Europe to deploy a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera system for offshore environmental observation. The technology offers a low carbon-emission and less intrusive alternative to conventional monitoring methods that rely on airplanes and ships.
The drone is part of RWE’s SeaMe (Sustainable ecosystem approach in Monitoring the marine environment) project, which integrates advanced technologies to develop a holistic understanding of interactions between offshore wind farms and marine ecosystems. The initiative, launched in autumn 2024 with onshore testing, has now entered its next phase with simultaneous data collection at Kaskasi, located 35 kilometres off the coast of the German island of Heligoland.
Advanced Technologies Deployed for Holistic Monitoring
In addition to drone surveillance, the SeaMe project incorporates several cutting-edge tools. An AI-powered fish detection system is being operated on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), while high-resolution video cameras have been installed on turbines to continuously monitor bird activity. Water samples are being analysed for environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify species without invasive collection methods.
Thomas Michel, COO of RWE Offshore Wind, underscored the company’s commitment to ecological responsibility. “As a global leading player in offshore wind, we feel responsible for building and operating our wind farms in harmony with nature. We are committed to continuous improvement,” he said. “With the SeaMe project, we are embracing new technologies that enable us to simultaneously monitor a range of different factors and gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between offshore wind and the marine ecosystem.”
Drone Monitoring: A Low-Emission, Non-Invasive Approach
The long-range Primoco UAV One 150 drone, operated by BioConsult SH, can remain airborne for up to 15 hours and is equipped with an optimized HiDef video system for autonomous operations. In its initial test, the drone flew at an altitude of approximately 500 meters over the Kaskasi wind farm and nearby reference areas. The footage will be analysed using artificial intelligence and human validation.
According to BioConsult SH, using drones for monitoring can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to traditional methods. The technology allows consistent data collection, ensuring comparability with historical aerial surveys.
Enhanced Bird and Marine Life Monitoring
At two turbines, six high-resolution cameras are used to monitor birds around the clock. Spoor’s AI-based analysis enables accurate detection and tracking, with additional systems for infrared and thermal imaging under night conditions. These technologies complement traditional methods like radar and aerial photography, offering more frequent and detailed observations validated by ornithology experts.
Underwater monitoring systems, developed with Anemo Robotics, collect footage autonomously over months. Cameras record 30-second clips every 15 minutes, allowing continuous observation of marine life. This approach avoids invasive surveys typically conducted once a year.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Tested Successfully
RWE has also tested the deployment and retrieval of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for the first time. Equipped with cameras, sonars, and sensors, the vehicle collects data on fish, marine mammals, and benthic animals while recording environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. The tests were conducted using a service vessel normally used for wind farm maintenance.
Environmental DNA: A Breakthrough in Species Identification
Water samples are being analysed for environmental DNA, capturing genetic traces such as faeces, skin cells, and mucus left by organisms in seawater. Scientists from the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) and the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) compare the DNA sequences with databases to identify species without harming marine life. Initial samples collected near Heligoland identified 143 species, including harbour porpoises.
A Collaborative Effort to Improve Monitoring
The SeaMe project involves several renowned research and technology partners, including HIFMB, AWI, BioConsult SH, DHI A/S, Spoor, DFKI, and Anemo Robotics. The project aims to consolidate data using advanced management and visualization tools, with DHI developing a user-friendly data portal accessible through the SeaMe website.
Driving Sustainability and Energy Security
With a total capacity of 342 megawatts, the Kaskasi wind farm supplies renewable energy to around 400,000 German homes. RWE’s dedicated team at Heligoland supports both the operational and research components of the project.
SeaMe’s innovations in environmental monitoring not only enhance biodiversity protection but also align with broader goals of reducing fossil fuel dependency and supporting Europe’s energy transition.
