Characterization of a green port industry to support the offshore wind sector

Abstract

The use of renewable energy sources is one of the most efficient ways to decarbonize the economy, and among these sources is offshore wind energy. In addition, offshore wind turbine technology evolves rapidly in terms of power, dimensions and weight. This increase in dimensions and weight brought challenges in the transport and installation of components, since turbines above 5 MW have restrictions by highways. Therefore, support through a port is necessary, as a link between land and sea activities, suitable for the complex activities of installation and operation of offshore wind farms, so that in its area it is possible to manufacture large components, as well as support for installation and O&M, also based on sustainability actions, through the concept of green port industry. The objective of the research is to identify the characterization factors of a green port industry to support the offshore wind sector. The research method included: i) exploratory theoretical research; ii) Systematic Literature Review (SLR); iii) analysis of technical reports; iv) development of the conceptual framework; v) case study of the ports of Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom; vi) intercase analysis and minimum requirements acceptable to ports; vii) validation of the conceptual model, with the application of a survey to specialists in the field; and viii) analysis of results and conclusions. Therefore, the main product of the research is the validated model with 70 factors that describe what is desirable to characterize a green port industry, classified into six dimensions: (1) physical characteristics, with 15 factors; (2) port layout, with 17 factors; (3) connectivity, with 6 factors; (4) port operation, with 8 factors; (5) performance optimization, with 14 factors; and (6) governance for sustainability, with 10 factors. Another main contribution was the proposal for the conceptual definition of a green port industry to support the offshore wind sector. It is expected that the study will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in academy, investors, public policy developers and other stakeholders in the offshore wind value chain.