MP Multi Use | Reuse of offshore wind infrastructure

Turning offshore end-of-life into new energy potential

Belgium is a frontrunner in offshore wind energy, with more than 2.3 GW installed capacity and further expansion planned. As offshore wind farms age, the question of what to do with existing infrastructure becomes increasingly important. 

MP Multi Use explores how existing offshore wind infrastructure can be reused or repurposed for new energy applications. The project aims to identify sustainable and cost-efficient alternatives to full removal, extending the value of existing offshore assets.
 

Target group

The project is relevant for:

• Offshore wind developers and operators
• Energy companies exploring offshore systems
• Infrastructure owners and asset managers
• Policy makers and regulatory bodies
• Engineering companies active in offshore energy

Context

Belgium’s offshore wind capacity is expanding rapidly, while the first generation of turbines is nearing the end of its operational life. With almost 400 turbines operating in the Belgian Part of the North Sea, some for more than 15 years, decommissioning and repowering activities are expected to begin within the next decade.

However, full removal of offshore infrastructure is not always the most sustainable or cost-effective solution. Key infrastructure such as foundations and cables may still have significant remaining lifetime. At the same time, emerging technologies such as wave, tidal and solar energy, as well as storage create opportunities to reuse this infrastructure for new applications.

The main challenge lies in assessing the technical, economic and legal feasibility of these reuse scenarios.
 

Objectives & results

To address these challenges, MP Multi Use evaluates how offshore wind infrastructure can be reused after turbine removal, as an alternative to full decommissioning.

Project objectives

• Increase knowledge on the reuse of offshore monopile foundations
• Evaluate the integration of wave and tidal energy converters, floating solar and energy storage
• Assess the reuse potential of existing assets such as foundations and subsea cables
• Analyse the economic, technical and legal feasibility of reuse scenarios
• Support the development of offshore energy systems in line with EU ambitions

Key expected results

• Reduced decommissioning costs through partial reuse of infrastructure
• Extended lifetime and improved utilisation of offshore assets
• Reduced environmental impact through circular use of materials
• Structural reliability assessment of reused offshore infrastructure
• Conceptual models and feasibility studies for reuse scenarios
• Guidelines and best practices for future offshore energy projects

These insights will support informed decision-making on offshore decommissioning and contribute to a more sustainable use of existing offshore infrastructure.

Approach

The project follows a multidisciplinary approach combining technical, economic and regulatory analyses.

First, the current condition and remaining lifetime of offshore infrastructure are assessed. Based on these insights, different reuse scenarios are developed for post-decommissioning applications. Their feasibility, risks and business potential are then evaluated from both economic and legal perspectives.

Finally, the results are translated into pratical recommendations and best practices to support future offshore decommissioning and reuse strategies.
 

Funding

• Funding agency: FPS Economy – Energy Transition Fund (ETF)
• Total budget: €1,607,145