Countries have been developing more wind farms as the global demand for renewable energy increases. Over the past couple of decades, environmentalists recognized the benefits of offshore wind turbines. Instead of exploiting natural land for energy production, they conserved protected regions by installing turbines in the ocean.

Environmentalists and marine professionals recognize a significant limitation with offshore wind farm expansions. Namely, ships are experiencing more frequent collisions. Wind farms are interfering with vessels’ radar systems and creating safety challenges.

Marine Radar Systems

Boats use marine radar systems to prevent collisions. The technology identifies subsurface objects and other vessels to improve transportation safety. It also informs captains of something’s position relative to their current locations.

The systems use horizontal polarization to gather essential information. This oscillates an antenna’s electrical field on the horizontal plane. The system absorbs and displays reflected data to accurately display potential interferences.

How Do Wind Farms Affect Radar Systems?

Electricity production professionals are building more offshore wind farms as society adopts a decarbonized energy supply. Developed nations like the U.S. are increasing their renewable energy production rates from 8% to reach net-zero emission goals. Researchers are studying the effects as more regions install offshore wind turbines.

One team of researchers released a case study report this year that alters future wind farm development projects. They discovered that large wind turbines interfere with marine radar readings. Vessel radars struggle to operate in wind turbine generator (WTG) regions.

Manufacturers generally make offshore wind turbines out of steel. The material’s reflectivity properties create “blade flashes,” which produce false images on a boat’s monitoring screens. Rotating turbine blades also interfere with radar systems.

The blades produce a vortex that shortens soundwaves through the Doppler effect. As boats approach a wind turbine, blades force sound waves upward. The Doppler effect skews wave readings on radar systems. 

When ship captains cannot access accurate radar readings, their safety and stability decline.

The Adverse Effects of Offshore Wind Turbines

One of the most common effects of wind turbine interference is vessel collisions. Between 2019 and 2020, boat crashes rose by about 26.3%, and injuries increased by nearly 24.7%. Boats are colliding with each other and turbines.

Another way turbines are increasing waterway danger is from blade flashes. Blades that disrupt bridge operators’ radar signals may lead them to close pathways at inappropriate times. Bridges that close on vessels can cause structural damage and injuries. Operators that open bridge pathways when boats are far away can hold up vehicle traffic.

The Coast Guard is also concerned with turbines' effects on the radar systems of search and rescue boats. Professionals may be unable to locate individuals in danger without accurate radar readings.

Environmental and vessel engineers are exploring offshore wind turbine limitations and developing safe solutions.

Improving Ships and Minimizing Harm

Wind farms are an essential part of the decarbonized energy industry, and advancing radar technology can limit interferences. Electrical disturbance professionals are creating new radar systems that minimize electromagnetic interferences. They developed the Integrated Mast (I-Mast), which holds a ship’s radar, sensors and antenna.

The I-Mast reduces obstructions by efficiently aligning radar features. Professionals are also adjusting spatial placements to minimize electromagnetic channel confusion. Researchers are still testing the technology to ensure its efficiency before placing it on the market.

Improving Offshore Wind Turbines and Minimizing Harm

Environmental engineers are also reducing obstructions by adding radar-absorbing layers to wind turbines. Graphene and carbon polymers can prevent radar distortion. Installation professionals can wrap turbine towers in the absorption material to improve signals in the area.

Another way to improve radar system functions is by installing bladeless turbines offshore. Engineers developed a wind turbine that vibrates back and forth to produce electricity. It looks like a large mast and minimizes the Doppler effect.

Environmentalists also created wind power drones to reduce radar system interferences. The drones oscillate to produce electricity in low wind conditions. The system connects to a thin wire that transfers energy to a ground-level generator.

Wind power drones decrease radar disruption by removing the shaft from conventional turbines. Shafts deflect and distort electromagnetic wavelengths.

Installation workers may also protect clean energy supplies from the elements to optimize power production. Electricity professionals can add an environmental seal to rotors and generators, which reduces energy loss from water or collision-related interferences. This protective feature decreases the number of turbines needed on wind farms.

Expanding Offshore Wind Farms

Improving the efficiency and safety of offshore wind farms is essential to the clean electric grid. Different regions are engaging in expansion projects and may impact vessel security. For example, the Biden-Harris administration accumulated nearly $4.37 billion for New York and New Jersey offshore wind projects.

Martha’s Vineyard is also developing offshore wind farms and increasing the need for vessel protection. As more turbines enter the ocean, ship captains will struggle to maintain safe transportation measures. Various marine industries may face problems as offshore wind farms expand.

What Are the Skeptics Saying?

Many energy professionals believe the offshore wind industry is advancing at a reckless rate. Cindy Zipf is the executive director of the Clean Ocean Action organization. Zipf develops pollution-reduction projects in the New York and New Jersey regions.

She recognizes the ecological benefits of offshore wind power and supports its future. However, Zipf is skeptical of current wind farm expansion projects because of radar interference. There are currently zero pilot projects helping researchers minimize wind turbines’ impact on fishing boats.

The fishing industry employs a large portion of New England’s working class. Fisheries have been an integral part of the Northeast’s economy for over 400 years. Zipf predicts offshore wind development will adversely affect the fishing industry. 

Other ecologists and energy professionals believe turbine engineers will solve radar interference problems before project development begins. Some environmental engineers think wind farm builders must assess challenges and create effective solutions. Wind power is an integral feature of the decarbonized energy sector, and turbines must support previously established industries.

What Is the Next Move for Offshore Wind Farms?

Energy professionals predict the offshore wind industry will grow in the coming years. Regardless of vessel safety, companies may continue installing turbines to increase the renewable energy supply. Individuals also expect the green employment rate to increase.

Researchers can develop sustainable solutions to radar disruptions. Over time, the offshore wind sector will help society reach its net-zero emissions goal without impacting fisheries.