Innovative AMMON Project Launched for Sustainable Use of the North Sea
2023-11-23
A promising collaboration of leading organizations, supported by a Kansen voor West grant, announces the launch of an ambitious project named AMMON - Autonomous Monitoring for Multi-use On the North Sea. This project aims to significantly reduce vessel movements for monitoring purposes, focusing on cutting vessel costs, emissions, and enhancing safety with at least 50 percent.
The Dutch part of the North Sea is projected to be substantially covered with wind turbines by 2050. To enable efficient and diverse usage of this space, the Dutch government aims to develop innovative solutions for the co-use of offshore wind farms. These initiatives, referred to as "multi-use," include combining wind energy with nature restoration and food provision, incorporating seaweed cultivation and floating solar panels.
Revolutionary monitoring service
The new project, AMMON, executed by a consortium comprising prominent entities North Sea Farmers, Lobster Robotics, Aqitec, Oceans of Energy, Agora Solutions, and Water Insight, will focus on developing a revolutionary monitoring service for offshore multi-use. This service will specifically support the deployment of offshore seaweed cultivation and offshore solar while leveraging innovative technologies like inspection drones, monitoring buoys, and high-tech inspection services based on satellite imagery.
The name AMMON symbolizes the pursuit of the 'hidden' in terms of optimizing invisible, advanced monitoring technologies for the North Sea. Through groundbreaking technology development and knowledge sharing, we aim to reduce costs, enhance safety, and promote the growth of the blue economy.
AMMON also references the Egyptian god Ammon/Ammun, associated with the 'hidden' and 'invisible,' symbolizing the innovative approach to improve monitoring in offshore wind farms.
Transition to sustainble North Sea
The anticipated outcomes of this project will not only impact the transition toward a sustainable North Sea but also positively affect various themes outlined in the Regional Innovation Strategy for West Netherlands (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/04/26/extra-pakket-maatregelen-dicht-gat-tot-klimaatdoel-2030), such as drone development, smart industry, smart farming, and intelligent energy systems.
With the engagement of sector leader North Sea Farmers, the gained knowledge and expertise will be effectively disseminated within the sector and among key stakeholders, including wind farm owners and the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat).
Supported by the Kansen voor West grant, this project will play a pivotal role in preparing for the future development of the North Sea and driving sustainable innovation within the blue economy.Press Contact:
Name: June Kromjongh
Email: june@northseafarmers.org
