Integration of Geoscience Data – The TNW Offshore Wind Farm Case Study

Abstract

The exploration and development of offshore renewable energy sources necessitates the handling of vast amounts of multi-disciplinary data across extensive areas. An efficient method of linking and integrating these data into a coherent ground model has become a theme of great interest. Such a ground model should assist developers in determining subsequent site investigations, optimizing field layout and foundation design, identifying geohazards and implementing suitable risk mitigation strategies. However, current practices often result in a qualitative integration, where geological formations are identified without assigning geotechnical properties to them, rendering the ground model unsuitable for site development. Moreover, the complexity of geological histories, particularly in relation to glacial and interglacial cycles and sea-level fluctuations, poses significant challenges. Despite the scarcity of geotechnical data, efficient integration of multi-disciplinary data is essential for creating reliable ground models that capture uncertainty accurately. Geophysical data provides information on the 3D geological and structural framework, while unit properties can be derived from in situ tests and laboratory data consistently. Our goal is to develop a fully integrated ground model, applicable to geotechnical applications, such as the Ten Noorden van de Waddeneilanden Wind Farm Zone (TNW), located off the Dutch coast. We propose a site-specific, data-driven integrated ground model that facilitates further development of the TNW. This quantitative ground model merges all available geotechnical and geological Ground Investigation data with geophysical data into a comprehensive, consistent 3D ground model, highlighting stratigraphic and spatial variations in ground conditions across the site.