Geotechnical surveys have begun for Denmark’s 165 MW Lillebælt Syd offshore wind project.

According to European Energy, over the coming months a mobile jack-up drilling rig will conduct boreholes and seabed tests at the 11 turbine locations of the Lillebælt Syd offshore wind farm, which is planned to deliver clean energy starting in 2029. The project is majority-owned by TotalEnergies (72.25%), with SONFOR (15%) and European Energy (12.75%).

The purpose of these geotechnical investigations is to obtain detailed knowledge of seabed conditions so turbine foundations can be planned with precision and safety.

Zhanar Dreisig, Asset Manager at TotalEnergies Denmark, states that: “We are entering a significant phase of additional seabed measurements, essential for the turbine foundation design, the cable corridor to shore, and the overall construction planning. Both the 3D geophysical surveys and the geotechnical borehole tests are progressing as expected, and we anticipate full data results by the end of the year.”

Andreas Karhula Lauridsen, Vice President and Head of Offshore Wind at European Energy, adds that “these surveys mark the final phase of our on-site investigations before making the final decisions on the wind farm’s design. The data lays the groundwork for a project tailored to local conditions, designed with a focus on careful execution.”

Later this year, additional geotechnical surveys—both offshore and onshore—will be conducted to prepare for the export cables connecting the wind farm to the coast and the local grid. These investigations are expected to continue through the end of 2025.

The Danish Energy Agency has approved comprehensive environmental assessments to ensure necessary measures are taken to protect marine ecosystems. The seabed studies are being carried out in full alignment with these assessments and with minimal marine impact.