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TGS Completes Survey for Offshore Wind Project in New York Bight

Norwegian seismic company TGS completed an ultra-high-resolution 3D survey for Community Offshore Wind in New York Bight to aid wind project design.
TGS Wraps Up Survey for Offshore Wind Project in New York Bight

Norwegian seismic company TGS has completed an ultra-high-resolution 3D (UHRD3D) survey for Community Offshore Wind in the New York Bight to provide soil condition data for designing an offshore wind project.

According to TGS, the survey started in October 2023 and lasted over eight months.

The lease area, awarded to a joint venture (JV) between RWE and National Grid Ventures during the 2022 US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) auction, has the potential to support up to 3 GW of clean energy capacity.

The JV secured the largest parcel in the competitive lease sale off the New York and New Jersey coasts. Using the vessel Sanco Swift, TGS surveyed the entire lease area, providing more detailed geological data than traditional 2D surveys. This is TGS’s second offshore wind site characterization project.

Doug Perkins, President and Project Director of Community Offshore Wind, stated: “Community Offshore Wind is using the latest technology to study soil behavior in our lease area to engineer our project effectively and environmentally friendly.”

“We are building a project to generate clean energy for communities in the US Northeast for roughly 30 years. The data from the survey allows us to plan with more precision and certainty than ever before.”

In the New York Bight auction, RWE and National Grid Ventures secured the OCS-A 0539 lease area with a $1.1 billion winning bid. The project could support up to 3 GW of offshore wind capacity, potentially powering around 1.1 million homes and businesses, more than twice the base scenario estimate provided by BOEM.

Community Offshore Wind began its geophysical survey in January 2023. By July, the company had selected Fugro to conduct a geotechnical investigation of the lease area. The project aims to be operational by the end of the decade.

“The acquisition of UHR3D seismic over the full lease will provide Community Offshore Wind with a solid foundation to develop their offshore wind farm in the New York Bight. Our geophysical approach to mapping and understanding the shallow subsurface layers will reduce uncertainty and speed up site characterization,” said Carel Hooijkaas, EVP of New Energy Solutions at TGS.“High demand has driven our decision to invest in an additional UHR3D streamer set, which will be operational in a few weeks.”

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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COP29 Ends Amidst Criticism Over Loopholes and Disunity


The United Nations’ 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) concluded with widespread criticism over perceived loopholes and a lack of unity among participating nations. Environmental experts and activists expressed concerns that the agreements reached may be insufficient to address the escalating climate crisis.



Despite initial optimism, the conference, held in Bonn, Germany, was marked by intense debates and disagreements. Key issues included carbon emission reduction targets and financial commitments to developing countries. Many attendees felt these discussions fell short of meaningful progress. Learn more about the UN’s climate change efforts here.



A significant point of contention was the establishment of clear guidelines for monitoring and reporting emissions. Critics argue that the absence of stringent measures allows countries to exploit loopholes, undermining global efforts to curb climate change. The lack of consensus on this issue highlights the challenges in achieving cohesive international action.



Some developing nations voiced frustration over inadequate financial support from wealthier countries, which they argue is essential for implementing sustainable practices and mitigating climate impacts. This financial gap remains a major obstacle, fueling discontent and hampering collaborative efforts. Explore the Green Climate Fund’s role in supporting climate action.



Meanwhile, environmental groups emphasized the need for immediate and robust action, warning that delays could have catastrophic implications. They called for greater transparency and accountability in future agreements, urging nations to prioritize the planet’s health over economic interests.



As COP29 ends, the international community faces the challenge of bridging divides and enhancing cooperation to effectively combat climate change. Stakeholders are now looking ahead to future conferences, hoping for more decisive action and unity.

November 22, 2024

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024