How Do You Address Concerns About Potential Effects of Offshore Wind Projects?

THE CHALLENGE

The magnetic fields from buried submarine cables that bring electricity to shore then connect via underground cables to the electric power grid on shore have generated considerable controversy and delays in the permitting of offshore wind projects. How do you assess the effects of power cables on marine life and human health?

EXPONENT'S MULTIDISCIPLINARY SOLUTION

Exponent engineers model the strength and extent of magnetic fields generated by undersea cables. Ecotoxicologists and health scientists then use their deep knowledge of the scientific literature to determine whether the calculated field strengths would be likely to interfere with sea life or pose a risk to human health.

Exponent engineers create state-of-the art models of AC and DC submarine and underground cables with MATLAB and COMSOL software to calculate magnetic and induced electric fields generated by the cables, accounting for the twisting of submarine AC cables and the convergence of multiple AC and DC cables at offshore stations. Levels of magnetic fields modeled by Exponent engineers have been confirmed by measurements multiple times for onshore transmission cables as well as for AC and DC submarine cables.
Exponent's ecotoxicologists and environmental scientists compare calculated field levels to those in published studies of the sensitivity and responses of marine animals in the project area. Field levels in diverse parts of the marine habitat are typically lower than levels at which any responses of marine species are recorded. Then they assess whether any responses of sensitive species might affect the health or behavior of their populations.
Exponent's health scientists, with expertise in exposure and risk assessment, epidemiology, and toxicology, evaluate the calculated field levels from the onshore underground cables in relation to the electric and magnetic field exposure limits recommended by scientific and health agencies. They also summarize and evaluate the status of research on electromagnetic fields and human health and address questions about specific health outcomes.

Exponent's Impact

Exponent prepares magnetic and electric field exposure models and marine ecological impact assessments for our clients' submissions to BOEM for approval to develop and construct offshore wind farms. We also support submissions to state commissions with similar assessments informed by our understanding of state-by-state differences in requirements.

Assessments of the magnetic fields from onshore underground cables are combined with deep knowledge of the scientific research on EMF and health and the expertise of our team of health scientists to respond to questions from landowners at public meetings and hearings.

Exponent provides cutting-edge analysis and rigorous evaluation to help our clients understand and commit to the highest standards for protection of marine and human environments so that their investments in offshore wind power generation can supply electricity without emissions from burning fossil fuels.

What Can We Help You Solve?

Exponent has decades of experience helping organizations develop, test, and refine complex systems. We can help you make more efficient, longer-lasting wind turbines and evaluate the environmental effects of offshore wind projects over their complete lifecycle to help transition our power grid to renewable energy.

Get in touch