Ben Whitcombe, a PhD researcher with the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience, has recently returned from an extraordinary sea voyage aboard the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery. The month-long expedition brought together leading oceanographers and researchers from across the UK, including the eSWEETS research team. Ben and colleagues had a shared goal – to investigate how offshore wind farms interact with marine ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.

The research focused on measuring sea temperatures and collecting plankton samples around some of the largest offshore wind developments in the North Sea, including Hornsea 1 and 2, as well as emerging floating wind farms off the coast of Scotland. These observations could provide vital insights into how offshore wind infrastructure influences ocean dynamics and biodiversity.

Ben explained the significance of the work:
“My research has focused on conventional turbine towers built into the seabed off the East Yorkshire coast. I’ve also been able to investigate floating turbines off Scotland. It’s possible they may have a positive impact on the marine environment – not only by helping to reduce carbon emissions, but also by reversing the impact of rising surface sea temperatures.”

Offshore wind turbine monopile structures create mixing of colder deep waters and warmer surface waters to create a more average temperature through the water column with more turbidity. These effects will be species dependent, so positive for some, negative for others. Therefore, it would be beneficial to monitor all species from plankton, to shellfish, to fish and whales and also seabirds. Ben’s measurements and plankton samples will contribute to scientific understanding about this phenomenon.

For Ben, the voyage was more than just data collection – it was a unique opportunity to collaborate with experts and experience life at sea. “working with 20 other researchers and some of the country’s leading oceanographers was a great opportunity to learn and to share knowledge. It’s vitally important to understand the marine environment, to discover how it’s changing, so we can make the best possible decisions for the future.”

Ben has already had the opportunity to share his research findings from Hornsea 1 and 2, at the European Academy of Wind Energy 2025 PhD Seminar in Athens. His presentation focused on the potential impacts of offshore wind infrastructure on marine phytoplankton and how these structures may influence nutrient cycling, biological productivity, and broader ecosystem dynamics.

This voyage underscores the CDT’s commitment to training researchers who can tackle the environmental challenges posed by offshore wind development. Ben’s work will help inform sustainable practices for the industry, ensuring that renewable energy growth aligns with marine conservation.

Ben Whitcombe is researching “Primary production and carbon export across the Flamborough frontal system: interaction with offshore wind energy” at the University of Hull, working with supervisor Professor Rodney Forster and Dr Magnus Johnson. Visit Ben’s student profile.