Feasibility Assessment and Preliminary Design of a Low Cost, Modular Concrete, Suction Pile Support Structure and Heavy Lift Vessel Alternative

Summary

This NREL CRADA Final Report, completed on December 20, 2024, assesses the feasibility of a low-cost, modular concrete suction pile support structure and heavy lift vessel alternative for offshore wind in the United States. The project aimed to mitigate challenges posed by limited Jones Act-compliant installation vessels and environmental restrictions of conventional foundations. For a representative 1005 MW wind plant in the New York Bight using a 15 MW turbine, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for the novel concrete foundation ($76.7/MWh) was estimated to be only about 3% higher than a conventional monopile ($74.5/MWh). Furthermore, the analysis projected that concrete foundations could create three times more national jobs and twice as many in-state jobs in New York per $10 million of foundation spending. Future plans include a testing and commercialization plan estimated at $3 million, with specific wave tank tests costing $450,000.

Key Facts

Source Document

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