The results from the site identification for the benchmark case in the German EEZ (North Sea) are presented. The analysis of geospatial and use-specific data results in two potential sites for the investigated area.
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Identification Method
The EEZ of Germany is scanned by an automated search routine [1], which is divided into a geospatial and a use based module. The systematic search is optimizing the geo-spatial conditions and subtracting areas with use-specific constraints at the EEZ space. The suitable water depth is a key factor for the operation and construction of a LH-PHES. Areas that are reserved for environmental protection purposes are highlighted. Furthermore, the vicinity to marine energy projects such as offshore wind farms offers synergies for planning, commissioning and operation.
Results
The results of the site identification process in the German EEZ show two main potential sites. Besides the water depth, the environmentally protected areas, the distance to shore and indications on suitable soil conditions, e.g. consolidated clay are further key factors.
Data Sources
All map layers were created through the processing of publicly accessible datasets by the contributing partners of the ALPHEUS H2020 project. References to the underlying datasets are given in the table below.
| Layer Name | Publisher | Data Set Name | Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water depth suitability | EMODnet | Bathymetry | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/emodnet-web-service-documentation. [Accessed 22 09 2023]. |
| Navigation Routes | BSH | Designated priority areas for shipping | Raumordnungsplan für die deutsche ausschließliche Wirtschaftszone in der Nordsee und in der Ostsee [2021]. |
| Navigation Routes | EMODnet, Collecte Localisation Satellites | Human Activities, Vessel Density Map | https://ows.emodnet-humanactivities.eu/geonetwork/srv/api/records/0f2f3ff1-30ef-49e1-96e7-8ca78d58a07c. [Accessed 31 10 2023]. |
| Military | EMODnet, BSH | Human Activities, Military Areas | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/579e4a3b-95e4-48c6-8352-914ebae0ae1d [Accessed 31 10 2023]. |
| Cables | EMODnet, BSH | Human Activities, Cables, Power, Actual Routes | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/41b339f8-b29c-4550-b787-3d68f08fdbcc [Accessed 31 10 2023]. |
| Cables | EMODnet, BSH | Human Activities, Cables, Telecommunic | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/39ebe289-410b-4a5d-88a4-51bfcde538de [Accessed 2023 10 31]. |
| Aggregate Extraction | EMODnet, Landesamt für Bergbau, Landesportal Schleswig-Holstein, BSH | Human Activities, Aggregate Extraction | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/fde45abd-7bf3-4f05-869c-d1ce77f4ac63 [Accessed 14 12 2023]. |
| Natura2000 | EEA | Natura 2000 – Spatial Data | https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/datahub/datahubitem-view/d8b47719-9213-485a-845b-db1bfe93598d?activeAccordion=1082742%2C1084677. [Accessed 11 03 2024]. |
| OSPAR habitat status | OSPAR Data and Information Management System | State of benthic habitats and seafloor integrity | https://oap.ospar.org/en/versions/2715-en-1-0-0-state/. [Accessed 11 03 2024]. |
| Offshore Wind Farms | EMODnet, BSH, Northland Deutsche Bucht GmbH | Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms | https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f [Accessed 25 10 2023]. |