Design and metocean: modelling and observations of extreme sea states for offshore renewable energies

Duration: 52 months (2017 - 2021)


ORE systems deployed at sea are exposed to extreme waves that can jeopardize their mechanical structure. If these extreme waves are caused to break, the risk to the turbines is further increased. It is therefore essential to better understand and characterise sea states in the event of storms in order to optimise the design of renewable energy converters such as floating wind turbines.


To improve the characterisation of extreme sea states with breaking waves by combining observations and modelling.

Scientific and technical contents

  • Use of deterministic simulations to determine the non-linear nature and precise kinetics of extreme sea states in the surf zone.
  • Implementation of a coupled ocean-atmosphere model to explore the role of interactions between wind and waves in storm and cyclone conditions.
  • In-situ measurements using an offshore lighthouse heavily exposed to storm waves and located on a bathymetric slope, allowing the structure to be used as a full-scale experimental device.

Partners and funding

This project is led by France Energies Marines.

The total project budget is €1,664K.

This project receives/received funding from France Energies Marines and its members and partners, as well as French State funding managed by the National Research Agency under the Investments for the Future Programme (ANR-10-IEED-0006-14). Testing carried out at La Jument lighthouse receives funding from Crédit Agricole’s Filière Mer division.

Photo credit: France Energies Marines

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