NOAD

Offshore foundations are large-scale, costly to install – and often capable of withstanding loads well beyond the lifespan of the turbines they support. NOAD addresses this opportunity: Instead of blanket decommissioning, the project proposes a methodology to assess the actual remaining structural life using an agile, data-driven evaluation approach. The so-called agile design continuously updates the original structural model ("as-designed") with real condition data ("as-running") to enable dynamic reassessment during operation.

A core component of the project is the development of a scalable SHM concept adaptable to various equipment levels – from SCADA-only setups to fully instrumented systems. The project systematically explores the minimum sensor requirements needed to support a robust and standards-compliant residual life assessment. This trade-off between cost and assessment quality is reflected in a modular evaluation framework.

The insights gained will be consolidated into a guideline for the continued operation of offshore foundations. This guideline will not only offer technical recommendations but also address regulatory interfaces and economic decision-making criteria. As a result, developers, operators, and certification bodies will for the first time be equipped to implement structured processes for lifetime extension or repowering – based on validated data and standardised evaluation methods.