News about Solar, Wind and alternative green power technologies

Renewable energy is creating an artificial reef. The structures for wave and offshore wind energy are likely going to increase the volume of fish in the surrounding of these various technologies. These mega structures create a reef-like environment which encourages crabs, barnacles, blue mussels and other fish to gather around the design. This was found in a recent dissertation by Dan Wilhelmsson from the Department of Zoology, at Stockholm University.

According to Dan Wilhelmsson, solid surface such as offshore wind power structure can act as an artificial reef. Moreover, it is common that rock boulders are set in the surrounding of these structures to avoid erosion thus supporting its function as a reef.

There are many grand expansion project envisaged for offshore wind power and wave power in Europe, United State, Japan, India and China. Wind power and wave power plants at sea covers several square kilometres of ocean surface. The response of marine life hasn’t yet been anticipated. There are nonetheless several researchers that are studying the ramifications of shadows, noise, variation in hydrology and electromagnetic fields amidst many other changes to the aquatic environment that these renewable energies are bringing.

The main focus by Dan Wilhelmsson, was to understand how offshore wind turbine inflicted on the natural habitats for plants, fish and other living mammals in the sea. Intriguingly, wind energy appears according to Wilhelmsson, to protect the dwelling of fish by providing an artificial reef. It was found that the density of fish nearby wind turbine was much higher than in vicinities away from wind turbines. The seabed where Wind Turbines were erected was nevertheless very rich in algae and boulders. This made it an ideal area for blue mussels.

Moreover wave power architecture does also have a similar constitution. They do also attract fish and crabs. However, the buoys used for the wave power are accommodated by blue mussels which usually fall down and become food for other animals in the seabed. It was also seen that the volume of lobsters rose drastically, if holes were created in the foundation. It also encouraged crabs to lodge it as their natural habitat.

There is still some risk, as a high concentration of certain species can have controversial impact on other species. The quantity of predatory animals can outnumber preys such as starfish, crustaceans and sea-pens. This can in extreme cases lead to the decimation of an entire species at particular vicinities.

It is highly possible that wave and wind energy farms will represent a convenience solution to create effective reef structures. Artificial reefs constructed could favour the safeguard of some significant species or reduce ramifications if proper considerations are given according to Dan Wilhelmsson.

Renewable energy such as wind and wave power is showing positive eco-system effects. These are supplementary benefit apart from reduction in greenhouse gases.

Source: Science Daily