Exo Engineering's concrete reefs to protect fish around wind farms

Exo Engineering, based at the University of East Anglia's (UEA) Enterprise Centre in Norwich, has created artificial reefs made from sustainable, low-carbon concrete aimed at increasing cod numbers in the North Sea.

The firm says its artificial reefs are needed to create new habitats for sea life, which have been lost over the years partly due to the construction of energy infrastructure like offshore wind farms.

As well as improving marine biodiversity, the reefs will support the region’s historic fishing industry by increasing fish stocks.

Exo Engineering's artificial concrete reefs (Image: Exo Engineering) Exo Engineering's artificial concrete reefs (Image: Exo Engineering) William Coulet, Exo Engineering’s managing director, said: “These artificial reefs use low-carbon alternatives to cement, as well as recycled aggregates.

“This is so important for reducing emissions and creating a circular economy, whilst also restoring natural habitats and boosting commercial fish stocks."

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Exo Engineering recently began a trial with Total Energies in the Netherlands to deploy its 4.5-tonne artificial reefs in the North Sea.

The reefs will be monitored over the coming years to determine their impact on biodiversity, including commercially important fish species like cod.

Deploying the concrete reefs in the North Sea (Image: Exo Engineering)

​Liselotte Van Cranenburgh, an environmental engineer at Total Energies EP Nederland, said: “We are excited to participate in a pilot project in the Dutch North Sea to facilitate research on these specially designed artificial reefs.

"We look forward to returning next year to assess the biodiversity gains and species settlement.

"The results of this pilot project can enhance future nature-inclusive design decisions for offshore wind farms and other offshore energy infrastructure in the North Sea and beyond.”

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The artificial reefs in the North Sea 

The government recently awarded a contract to the world's largest offshore wind farm, located 120km off the Norfolk coast, at its most recent UK renewables auction.

Ørsted's ​Hornsea 3 will have up to 231 offshore turbines and generate 2.9 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy - enough to power more than 3.3m homes.

Contracts were also awarded to two other wind farms off the Suffolk coast, ScottishPower Renewables' East Anglia Two and East Anglia Three.

Together, the two projects will deliver enough energy to power more than 1m homes.