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Installation of Monopiles Progresses at Vineyard Wind 1 Site Off the US Coast

Orion to install monopile foundations at Vineyard Wind 1 site from 28 October, as per the offshore wind mariner update.
Monopile Installation Continues at Vineyard Wind 1 Site Offshore US

The DP3 installation vessel Orion, operated by Belgian offshore specialist DEME, is set to install the remaining monopile foundations at Vineyard Wind 1 in the US around 28 October, according to a recent offshore wind mariner update.

<em>Source Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Mariner Update<em>

Before installation, vessels POLARIS and HOS RUGER will deploy and recover a double big bubble curtain (DBBC) system to manage pile-driving operations.

The DBBC will be set up on the seafloor, tested, and activated before Orion arrives. Each bubble curtain takes about two to four hours to install, as reported by Vineyard Wind, a partnership between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

After pile-driving, POLARIS and HOS RUGER will retrieve the DBBC equipment for use at the next site.

Upon completing monopile installation, DEME Group’s jack-up vessel, Sea Challenger, will install transition pieces (TPs) at the sites starting in early November. The operation will be supported by vessels GO FREEDOM, GO PATRIOT, and GO GLORY.

DEME Offshore US is leading the transportation and installation of monopile foundations, TPs, offshore substations, scour protection, and wind turbines.

The first of 62 monopile foundations, supplied by EEW Special Pipe Constructions (EEW SPC), was installed 15 miles off Martha’s Vineyard in June 2023.

The 800 MW offshore wind farm will feature 62 GE Vernova Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbines, each with a 220-meter rotor and 107-meter blades.

Earlier this year, a turbine blade broke due to a manufacturing issue, as reported by the company’s CEO Scott Strazik in July.

In July, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) ordered Vineyard Wind to halt electricity production until further examination of the blade failure’s impact on other turbines.

In mid-August, authorization was granted to resume certain activities, leading to the installation of eight new towers and nacelles, as noted by Vineyard Wind.

Last week, Vineyard Wind announced that GE Vernova plans to remove some blades and reinforce others as part of their incident response plan.

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Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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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.

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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.



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