A new UK-led initiative is set to transform how environmental approvals are granted for offshore wind farms. Project ORACLES, led by Robosys Automation in partnership with ACUAOcean, MSEIS, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, aims to modernise the data collection and monitoring process that underpins offshore wind development.
The consortium secured funding through UK Research and Innovation’s Innovate UK Launchpad programme, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up strategy. The project will focus on using autonomous marine systems and digital technologies to streamline the assessment process for new offshore wind projects, supporting the UK’s target of 60 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Smarter data collection with marine robotics
Currently, environmental monitoring for proposed wind farm sites is fragmented and resource-intensive, often requiring multiple contractors to gather separate datasets on bird activity, marine life, and sea conditions. Data is typically collected manually and analysed only once it reaches shore, slowing progress on project approvals.
Project ORACLES intends to change this by deploying advanced Unmanned Survey Vessels (USVs) equipped with an array of sensors, including eDNA, ADCP, and acoustic monitoring systems. These autonomous vessels will deliver real-time, comprehensive environmental data directly from offshore sites, reducing both the cost and the time involved in environmental consenting.
Robosys Automation will also enhance its marine autonomy platform to allow multiple USVs to be controlled from a single Remote Operations Centre, while ACUA’s Pioneer USV – built to meet the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency Workboat Code 3 – will provide the endurance and capability needed for extended offshore missions.
Boosting clean maritime innovation
By reducing the need for repeated crewed survey operations, Project ORACLES will not only speed up decision-making but also reduce CO2 emissions and environmental disruption.
Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys Automation, said the project will “revolutionise the environmental consenting process for offshore wind farms,” accelerating data delivery, and fostering the growth of regional businesses through innovation in marine autonomy and clean maritime technologies.
