- IQIP will use EQ-Piling for the installation of a full-size monopile at EnBW's triangular site in German waters.
- EnBW and Vattenfall are actively driving further development forward as committed consortium partners.
- DEME's floating installation vessel Orion will be the first to use EQ-piling offshore.
- The installation is a crucial step to validate reduced noise levels during installation without additional bubble curtains - and thus to reduce both noise emissions and CO2 emissions.
IQIP, together with EnBW and Vattenfall, announced that EQ-Piling is being used offshore for the first time in the installation of a full-size monopile. This marks a significant milestone in the further development of foundation technologies for offshore wind farms.
Building on the successful inshore demonstration at Maasvlakte 2 in Rotterdam (Netherlands), the upcoming offshore installation represents a crucial step towards the commercialization of this new, quieter and lower CO2 installation method.
Offshore installation of a full-size monopile using EQ piling technology / Photo: IQIP
The full-size offshore installation of the monopile will take place at the planned Dreekant offshore wind farm in Germany, which is owned and developed by EnBW. IQIP has contracted DEME to carry out the installation, which will be performed using the state-of-the-art offshore installation vessel Orion. Vattenfall, a consortium partner alongside IQIP and EnBW, is also supporting the project. Installation of the demonstration monopile is scheduled for next month, subject to final approval.
Strong tailwinds and joint commitment
As the project progresses towards 1:1 scale offshore validation, the technology is gaining increasing momentum towards commercial application.
IQIP CEO Robert Diepenbroek: 'We have great confidence in the potential and commercial applicability of the technology. With the installation of a full-size monopile, we will demonstrate that EQ-piling delivers on its promise of being significantly quieter. Furthermore, we will enable a reduction in CO2 emissions, as additional bubble curtains and the vessels required for them will no longer be necessary.'
As a consortium partner alongside IQIP and EnBW, Vattenfall views EQ-Piling as a promising technology for future offshore wind projects. Like the other partners, Vattenfall receives full, immediate access to non-public 1:1 scale data from the installation, enabling a detailed evaluation for upcoming projects.
Cyril Moss, Executive Project Director for Nordlicht I and II at Vattenfall: 'At Vattenfall, we are driving offshore wind forward as a key component of the energy transition — based on European industrial expertise and genuine innovation. Progress happens when experienced partners at the heart of the industry work together to turn new technologies into reality.'
As owner and developer of the Dreekant offshore wind farm, EnBW IQIP is enabling the installation of this full-size monopile – a step that aligns with its commitment to advancing sustainable energy infrastructure.
Jörg Egbers, Vice President Offshore Engineering at EnBW AG, said: 'We are actively shaping the energy transition in Europe by accelerating the expansion of sustainable energy generation. With more than 15 years of experience in wind energy, we remain committed to a reliable, climate-friendly supply. We support new technologies – such as EQ-piling – that minimize environmental impacts while simultaneously increasing performance and reducing costs. EnBW involved relevant stakeholders early on to secure all necessary permits for conducting the test.'
The upcoming offshore installation with DEME underlines the shared ambition to further develop the technology for installing foundation structures.
Bas Nekeman, Business Unit Director Foundations Northern Europe at DEME: 'At DEME, innovation and collaboration drive our contribution to a more sustainable offshore wind industry. Together with IQIP, we have already implemented several firsts—from the Hydrohammer® IQ4 and the deck-guided Noise Mitigation System to PULSE®. With the Orion, we want to demonstrate that EQ piling can be implemented just as efficiently as established methods. Our customers expect foundations to be installed precisely, within tolerances, in compliance with noise regulations, and on budget—with minimal risk.'
Outlook: ready for project deployment
Following the 1:1 scale offshore installation of the monopile, EQ-Piling will be ready for use in future offshore wind projects. The technology offers an environmentally friendly, low-noise, low-CO2, and scalable alternative to existing installation methods—thus supporting the growing global demand for responsible offshore wind energy development.
Source: Vattenfall
