Given such conditions, it is expected that monopile and jacket solutions will remain the standard for foundations structures for offshore WTGs. However, as the technical development of floating offshore WTG foundations is also rapidly progressing, this foundation type should be constantly under review and potentially considered in the future for higher water depths in Polish waters.
Taking a closer look at expected changes compared to current foundation solutions due to the larger WTGs and environmental conditions described above, one particular aspect may involve the connection between the monopile and the transition piece: bolted solutions may be challenging for the new WTGs and a comeback of grouted connections could be expected. Further, new developments like extended monopiles or slip joints are being developed to reduce the levelized cost of energy. Nevertheless, the emphasis in the Polish OWF market to promote the local content, the manufacturing of technical solutions in Poland may become a significant criterium for the ultimate selection of foundation solutions.
All these requirements will further be carefully analyzed and considered in the decision making process for future WTG foundation designs in Poland.
