SeaMe Project

The SeaMe project, set to run between 2024 and 2026 at the RWE offshore wind farm in Kaskasi, Germany, aims to revolutionise marine environmental monitoring through innovative and sustainable practices in collaboration with leading scientific partners.

The project's primary aim is to enhance biodiversity monitoring by employing non-invasive, low-emission techniques that support the global shift towards sustainable energy and the adoption of environmental practices. RWE is the first industrial company to participate in a project (CREATE-2) sponsored by the German Alliance for Marine Research (DAM). The company is thus committed to protecting the marine environment and a greener future.

Press release

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A holistic approach to ecosystem monitoring

SeaMe is at the forefront of marine monitoring innovation , integrating several cutting-edge techniques to enhance marine observation and data analysis.

Firstly, drones equipped with an AI-based camera system are replacing ships and planes traditionally used to monitor resting birds and mammals, cutting the need to send human observers at sea. Furthermore, migrating birds will be observed 24/7 using an AI based camera system which will be attached to two turbines. These advanced technologies offer a more efficient and less intrusive way of monitoring marine wildlife.

Secondly, our AI-powered underwater cameras, mounted on an autonomous under water vehicle (AUV), provide a non-destructive alternative to ship-based trawling and grab sampling which is used to monitor fish and benthos. These organisms are now observed using the cameras while also continuously measuring ambient conditions such as temperature and salinity—previously monitored only once per year.

In addition, we employ environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to identify biodiversity. This technique surpasses the conventional invasive ship-based grab and trawling methods where organisms are are taken out of the water for laboratory analyses. eDNA is offering a non-invasive approach by analysing collected water for DNA footprints providing more comprehensive biodiversity assessments. It also includes the detection of invasive species.

SeaMe also adopts a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to data collection and analysis. Instead of isolating marine components, we integrate the data to consider the interactions among organisms, their environment and the effects of offshore wind developments. This comprehensive method helps better detect ecological stressors while significantly reducing noise pollution and CO₂ emissions by minimising shipping activities, fostering a more sustainable approach to monitor the marine environment.

Commitment to sustainability

Central to the SeaMe project is RWE's commitment to sustainability, exemplified through emissions-reducing technologies and ground-breaking monitoring strategies. The project’s approach aims to drastically lower CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. SeaMe also reinforces sustainability on a global scale by providing necessary environmental data to meet EU regulations manifested in the marine strategy framework.

The commitment extends to a comprehensive involvement in the CREATE project which is part of the ‘sustainMare’ mission trying to develop innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable utilization of marine ecosystems. Through this engagement RWE is reinforcing its role in promoting global sustainability.

Benefits of the SeaMe Project

Determination of biodiversity: Close existing knowledge gaps on the impact of offshore wind farms and vessel movements.
Cost and time savings: Minimises the need for traditional monitoring tools, reduces need for ships, planes, and offshore personnel.
Reduced HSE risks: Decreases the necessity for offshore personnel, enhancing safety.
CO2 emission reduction: Utilises non-invasive, significantly emission reduced techniques.
Significant noise reduction: Less vessel movement.
Support for government climate targets: Aligns to national and international sustainability goals.
Global applicability: Offers a transferable concept for other offshore wind farms.
Positive impact on biodiversity: Supports future planning with maintaining biodiversity as a focus.

A man in a dark blue suit stands in a modern office with large windows.

Sven Utermöhlen, (CEO), RWE Offshore Wind

“As a global leading player in offshore wind, we feel responsible for building and operating our wind farms in harmony with nature. To deliver green electricity, we invest billions of euros annually in offshore wind. We are committed to expanding our portfolio in an environmentally friendly way. With this in mind, we have set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets and are making all efforts to find ways to improve. With the SeaMe project we are pioneering new techniques that will enable us to better understand the impact of offshore wind on the marine ecosystem.”