Get industry insights, tips and tricks, customer stories, blog posts and more –  delivered straight to your inbox!
 
Subscribe to our <a href="https://training.dhigroup.com/sign-up-for-dhi-group-newsletters/">newsletters</a> now.

Homepage

DHI to monitor birds and bats in pioneering new Dutch offshore wind farm

Ecowende teams up with Robin Radar, MIDO and DHI to implement most advanced framework for monitoring birds and bats at offshore wind farms to date. Robin Radar Systems, MIDO and DHI, three companies on the forefront of detection systems for and data collection on various birds and bats, are joining forces with Ecowende. Their technologies, which include Robin Radar’s MAX® bird and bat radar systems, DHI’s sensor integration and artificial intelligence (AI) species recognition solution MUSE and MIDO’s power-generating floating platform FLORA 1 will be deployed in Ecowende's future offshore wind farm. By combining these technologies, Ecowende will implement the most advanced framework for monitoring of flying birds and bats at offshore wind farms to date. This will help in assessing the impact of the wind farm on ecology and the effectiveness of Ecowende’s ecological innovations.
 
A new ecological standard with innovative monitoring and research programmes
Together with partners, Ecowende intends to set a new ecological standard for building and operating offshore wind farms, with a minimal impact on the natural habitat of birds, bats and marine mammals, and with a thriving underwater world. To do so, the wind farm developer – a joint venture of Shell, Chubu and Eneco – puts state-of-the-art monitoring and mitigation technologies and innovations at the core. This is where the technologies from Robin Radar, MIDO and DHI come in.
 
First ever MAX® Radar System on a floating platform
‘Ecowende is the perfect example of the sheer passion for innovation in this industry’, said Sibylle Giraud, VP Wind and Environmental Practice at Robin Radar. ‘There’s a real determination to keep finding new ways to protect wildlife while helping the green transition. We share that passion, and like us, Ecowende will break ground and take risks to make essential technologies scalable and sustainable. We're delighted to accompany them on this fantastic project, we'll deploy no less than four flagship radars, including our first-ever MAX® on a floating platform.’
 
To enhance Ecowende’s data collection, the three-dimensional (3D) MAX® Radar Systems operate every day of the year and in all weather conditions, simultaneously tracking and organising data into one informative and intuitive interface. Insight and awareness like this, provide a foundation for real-time and strategic analysis. Mitigating the risk of collision, or even implementing shut-down-on-demand (SDOD) when necessary, depends on an extensive understanding of bird behaviour.
 
A match made in Holland
The FLORA 1 floating platform has been especially designed for offshore installation and is equipped for autonomous operation because of its power-generating nature, by using a complementary mix of wave and solar power and battery storage, allowing for uninterrupted data collection by the MAX® Radar System on the platform.
 
‘The project’s innovation challenges have brought the very best out of the partners, including MIDO. In our case we’ve had to continually question the possible problems and constantly iterate, learn and optimise the design to achieve system unanimity. We’re building something almost dream-like together by combining energy and sensor technologies. We call it “A match made in Holland"', said Francisco Garcia, CEO of MIDO.
 
Pairing with MUSE for data integration
Even more data can be gathered automatically, such as a count of the actual bird species being observed, by integrating the MAX® with robotic cameras using DHI’s MUSE solution. Robin Radar and DHI have paired their radars and MUSE systems before, ensuring that the compatibility of the sensors will improve the quality of data collection.
 
MUSE helps ensure protection of birds and bats with maximum uptime of the wind turbines. DHI’s AI-based algorithms automatically identify the species of birds of concern and locate bats in the wind farm zone and can automatically send signals to advise on slowing down individual wind turbines if a priority species of bird or bat is in danger of collision. DHI will also be responsible for integrating the project’s different data sources and their experts will help identify the most efficient approaches to bird and bat protection.
 
A pioneering lighthouse for eco-innovations
Mikael Kamp Sørensen, Executive Vice President for Energy &amp; Ports, DHI, said, ‘Ecowende will be a pioneering lighthouse for eco-innovations in offshore wind. DHI is ready to support the mission of truly integrating sustainability into the design and operation of offshore wind farms. With MUSE, authorities and wind farm developers can protect birds and bats from collision and still achieve the most ambitious goals for renewable energy production.’
 
Filling knowledge gaps to help future wind farms
To ensure that the collected data really turns into knowledge, we will work together with scientists who will focus on researching and filling existing knowledge gaps. Marin van Regteren, Marine Ecologist at Ecowende explains, ‘Bird ecologists will work on accurately mapping seabird behaviour around our innovations, patterns of migratory birds and improving existing collision models. Based on these insights, we can continuously improve our own approach by finetuning innovations, and we can help future wind farms.’
 
***
Robin Radar SystemsRobin Radar is developing cutting-edge radar technologies, with 30 years of built-up expertise of applied radar science. They strive to create greater safety for humans and wildlife alike, helping the aviation, security and on- and offshore ecology industries to set the pace for a better world. The MAX®, their flagship 3D avian radar, is a full 3D (360 degrees) radar providing size, speed, height, location and flight path data for each bird or bat it detects.
 
MIDOAs an arm of Wedge Global, MIDO started designing their wave energy technology back in 2007 in partnership with Spain’s National Center for Energy and Environmental Technology (CIEMAT). Combining their floating energy systems with state-of-the-art sensor technology, they design next generation ocean energy systems for niche applications including ocean observations. MIDO’s technology facilitates autonomous, in-situ and uninterrupted observation of marine life and biodiversity in harsh or hard-to-reach environments, like offshore wind farms.
 
DHI A/SDHI has been committed to advancing and sharing knowledge of water environments for over half a century. Headquartered in Denmark, DHI has offices in 26 countries. Every day, 1,100 engineers and other specialists work within the entire water cycle to innovate new ways to use, manage and live with water and protect water-related ecosystems. DHI leverages their domain expertise, advanced technologies and unique modelling software to support decision-makers in the global water industry. Together with clients and partners, they enable a sustainable future for water.
 
Ecowende and Hollandse Kust WestA sustainable future for offshore wind that positively contributes to the North Sea’s ecology. An ambition that Ecowende hopes to bring to life through collaboration with partners, research, and progressive innovations. The Ecowende wind farm (Hollandse Kust (west) lot VI) will be located about 53 kilometres off the Dutch coast, near IJmuiden. The wind farm will have an operational capacity of approximately 760 MW, making 3% of the current Dutch electricity demand greener. Ecowende plans to have the wind farm fully operational and commissioned in 2026.
 
Press contact 

Robin Radar Systems | Jasper van Laanen: vanlaanen@robinradar.com 


MIDO | Tania Martin: tmartin@mido.tech 


DHI | Annette Mystek : acmy@dhigroup.com


Ecowende, Eneco | Marnix Heijboer: heijboer@eneco.nl


Ecowende teams up with Robin Radar, MIDO and DHI to implement most advanced framework for monitoring birds and bats at offshore wind farms to date. 

Drastically reduce WWTP energy use, costs and carbon footprint by up to 30%

Wastewater treatment plants are confronted with a critical challenge: inefficient aeration controllers leading to unnecessary energy wastage, heightened operational costs and an amplified carbon footprint. TwinPlant's revolutionary solution, the Optimised Plant module by DHI, is here to address these issues.
 
This cloud-based application empowers water utilities to continuously fine-tune aeration process controllers. The result is reduced WWTP costs, decreased energy consumption and mitigated GHG emissions, all while minimising the risk of effluent permit violations. By leveraging advanced algorithms and predictive modelling, the Optimised Plant module dynamically adjusts aeration controllers in real-time, significantly reducing blower power consumption by 15-30% and lowering overall power usage by 10-20%.
 

 
With a user-friendly interface, operators gain easy access to process control adjustments and automation capabilities, enabling direct contribution to a plant's efficiency and sustainability goals. ‘Human-in-the-loop validation’ ensures meticulous evaluation of controller settings, guaranteeing optimal outcomes. Additionally, the module features ‘optimised aeration’ functionality to further maximise energy efficiency and operational cost savings. Want to achieve more quantifiable KPI improvements? Take advantage of the Optimised Plant's robust modelling and data analytics.
 
‘Water utilities are facing increasing pressure to make wastewater plant operations efficient, sustainable and compliant at the same time,’ comments TwinPlant Product Owner Fabio Polesel. ‘Digital solutions are in high demand to address these challenges and empower operators with the tools to make the right decision – a unique offering that TwinPlant and The Optimised Plant can provide,’ he continues.
 
All of TwinPlant’s modules are now available via subscription. Visit  dhigroup.com/technologies/twinplant to learn more and schedule a demo.

Drastically reduce WWTP energy use, costs and carbon footprint by up to 30% with TwinPlant's new Optimised Plant module.

DHI hosts seminar on sustainable water for Power-to-X

DHI recently hosted a seminar on sustainable water use for Power-to-X (PtX) together with Danish Export Association.
 
The event took place at DHI headquarters in Hørsholm, and participants came from both industry organisations, utilities, research institutions, public authorities and private companies.
The day started with a tour of DHI’s renowned hydraulic test facilities, where DHI is currently testing the design of tomorrow’s energy islands and floating wind turbine foundations. After the tour, Mette Vestergaard, CEO of DHI, opened the seminar with a brief introduction of DHI and our work in supporting the green transition in the energy sector.

DHI recently hosted a seminar on sustainable water use for PtX together with Danish Export Association. 

DHI appoints Zhou Chi as new Managing Director of DHI China

DHI has appointed Ms Zhou Chi as new Managing Director of DHI China. She will be taking over from Dr Qian-Ming Lu, who is retiring after playing a key role in the successful growth of DHI in the Chinese market.
 
DHI offers clients decades of domain expertise, advanced technologies and unique modelling software for water and the protection of water-related ecosystems. The countries of Denmark and China have strategic collaborations on groundwater management and wastewater management as part of a broader cooperation on green initiatives. DHI recently hosted the Chinese Vice Minister of Water Resources, H.E. Mr Wang Daoxi, who visited DHI headquarters in Denmark to learn more about digital twins and groundwater modelling for sustainable water management.
 
Zhou Chi holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Imperial College London and has nearly two decades of experience in the marine and environmental sectors. Zhou Chi has held several management positions, most recently as Deputy General Manager in Hengtong Group and as Operations Director for Hengtong’s national innovation platform in Marine science and technology, driving the collaboration with colleges, research institutes and the government to establish a marine industry ecosystem. Zhou Chi already knows DHI very well, as she spent 12 years with the company from 2006 to 2018, driving sales, marketing and the successful adoption of Danish technologies in China.
 
CEO of DHI, Mette Vestergaard, says:
‘Dr Lu has for the past 20 years been instrumental in establishing DHI in China, and he has played a key role in the water sector. On behalf of DHI, I would like to express my deep respect and admiration for his exceptional contributions over the years. At the same time, I am thrilled to welcome Zhou Chi as new Managing Director of DHI China. I am confident that, with her background and experience, she will be able to support our clients with innovative and sustainable water management. China has set very high ambitions for sustainable water consumption and management, and we are proud to collaborate with the Chinese authorities, scientific communities and businesses in bringing innovative solutions to the water sector.’
 
Zhou Chi herself adds:
‘There has always been a unique culture of innovation and collaboration at DHI, and I am happy to be part of that culture again. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues from all over the world on contributing to the positive development in protection of water resources and water environments in China, enabling a sustainable future for water.’
 
DHI China has offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chengdu.

DHI has appointed Ms Zhou Chi as new Managing Director of DHI China. She will be taking over from Dr Qian-Ming Lu, who is retiring after playing a key role in the successful growth of DHI in the Chinese market.

DHI leads DSS development to help Uganda improve hydropower generatio

To optimise hydropower production, the Uganda government, through the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, has implemented a DHI-led decision-support system (DSS) to forecast water flow to Lake Victoria and in the River Nile.Hydropower dams play a pivotal role in harnessing renewable energy from flowing water. The construction and operation of these dams can also impact flooding – a significant challenge worldwide, including in Uganda.
 
In a partnership with French engineering company ISL Ingénierie, DHI led the modelling work and the DSS development for the project, with the support of French development agency, Agence Française de Développement. This project was part of the EU-funded Digital Energy Facility programme, which supports innovative solutions for the energy sector.
 
DHI, in partnership with ISL, contributed to the following:
 

Initiating data collection and organising site visits to four key hydropower plants along River Nile
Collecting, reviewing and analysing data such as supplementary global datasets from earth observation products, as well as near real-time information on current conditions
Developing a water balance and allocation model for short-term and seasonal forecasts using MIKE HYDRO Basin. A flood model was used to simulate the hydrology and hydrodynamic conditions downstream of the outlet of Lake Victoria. These models were complemented by a reservoir hydropower operation model and a hydropower energy optimisation model built using ISL Ingénierie’s software.
Integrating the models into a fully operational DSS using DHI’s platform to visualise and disseminate results of the flood and flow forecasting as well as the power production. The DSS, based on MIKE OPERATIONS technology, enables automatic download and processing of earth observation and numerical weather prediction data to provide real-time, forecast and climate change scenario results to improve decision-making.
Carrying out training sessions and workshops to ensure successful knowledge transfer and sustainability of the technology

 
Bertrand Richaud, project manager from DHI, says, ‘The DSS takes into account various hydrological factors such as rainfall and evaporation, and can forecast water flow patterns up to nine months in advance considering the uncertainty of such forecast. The adoption of this technology by key stakeholders in Uganda would help the decision-making process. By using science-based tools, water shortages and flooding risks can be reduced, eventually contributing to improved hydropower production in the region.’

To optimise hydropower production, the Uganda government, through the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, has implemented a DHI-led decision-support system (DSS) to forecast water flow on the River Nile and Lake Victoria. 

Introducing MIKE Metocean Simulator: Revolutionising wave modelling for offshore energy and marine infrastructure 

DHI is excited to announce the launch of MIKE Metocean Simulator (MIKE MS). This cutting-edge software product is a fast, easy and flexible wave modelling tool that promises to redefine the wave modelling landscape for offshore energy and marine infrastructure projects. With a unique blend of speed and precision, MIKE MS empowers professionals, regardless of their numerical modelling experience, to assess wave conditions rapidly and accurately in both offshore and nearshore environments.
 
With features like assisted meshing, advanced statistical methods, easy data access and the power of cloud computing, MIKE MS delivers simulations faster than ever before. No more waiting for specialists; now, anyone can generate years of high-resolution wave conditions in just a few hours. The fast setup can be re-used to kick start traditional wave modelling, if required for highly detailed studies. By seamlessly integrating selected global datasets from DHI's Metocean On-Demand (MOOD) Portal, it eliminates the need for cumbersome data processing, saving valuable time and resources while enabling data-driven decision-making.
 
Pierre Swiegers, Senior Metocean Engineer at DHI, commented on the launch, stating, ‘MIKE Metocean Simulator represents a significant leap forward in wave modelling solutions. We've dedicated extensive time and resources to address the unique requirements of our offshore energy and marine infrastructure customers. We're excited to deliver a solution that not only enhances efficiency but also increases productivity and drives growth in these vital sectors.’
 
Key features of MIKE MS:

Fast and simple setup - Begin using the software effortlessly with a user-friendly web-based setup and access to high-quality MIKE 21 Spectral Wave templates. Intended for all users, including novices and seasoned professionals.
Assisted meshing - Generate a semi-automatic high-resolution mesh instantly or upload custom meshes, including those created with MIKE Mesh Builder.
Flexible input data options - Automatically tap into over 43 years of continuous spatially varying boundary conditions from trusted DHI sources (DHI Global Wave Model, ERA5 wind and DTU10 tides), or upload your own data point.
Advanced statistical methods - The simulator stands out by selecting and executing a subset of the extracted boundary conditions in a MIKE 21 Spectral Waves quasi-stationary solver. The simulated events are used to interpolate a long-term timeseries of results from the boundary conditions, ensuring comprehensive and accurate simulations.
Cloud-powered simulation and storage - Experience the power of cloud computing with MIKE MS, running simulations on a robust 44-core virtual infrastructure. Leverage cloud capabilities for collaborative project management and streamlined data handling.
MOOD integration - Seamlessly push data to the Metocean On-Demand (MOOD) Portal for a dynamic combination of map-based visualisation and data sharing. Elevate data quality control through validation plots for selected data points, unlocking powerful analytics.

 
MIKE Metocean Simulator is now available via subscription. For more information and to schedule a demo, please visit mikepoweredbydhi.com/products/mike-cloud/mike-metocean-simulator or contact Pierre Swiegers via email at pibs@dhigroup.com.

DHI has launched MIKE Metocean Simulator (MIKE MS), a fast, easy and flexible wave modelling tool that promises to redefine the wave modelling landscape for offshore energy and marine infrastructure projects.

继续更新新闻新闻稿

最新消息