Silent installation technology is gaining traction in the renewable energy arena, particularly in offshore wind development. Companies in this sector aim to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. GBM Works, based in Amsterdam, has announced the second close of its seed funding round, bringing their total to €6.2 million. Investors are keen on supporting innovations like GBM Works’ Vibrojet—an approach aimed at decreasing the sound pollution generated during the installation of offshore wind monopiles.
New investors such as Invest-NL have contributed alongside previous backers including the European Innovation Council Fund and Rotterdamse Havendraken, emphasizing the emerging interest in silent installation methods. Historically, the offshore industry has struggled with noise regulations affecting marine life, posing a challenge for wind farm developers. This funding indicates a concerted effort to combat these issues with quieter technologies like Vibrojet, which promises to reduce harmful underwater noise significantly.
How Will GBM Works Use the Funds?
The influx of capital will be directed toward demonstrating Vibrojet in actual field conditions at Ecowende by early 2026. GBM Works plans to extend its silent installation techniques to a variety of soil types, paving the way for international expansion and establishing its footprint in the renewable energy market. GBM aims to lead in this niche, particularly as environmental regulations tighten.
Challenges in Offshore Installation?
The installation of larger wind turbine foundations, known as monopiles, traditionally causes significant underwater noise. Restrictions compelled by the necessity to protect marine life, such as porpoises, mean developers must find alternatives for pile installation.
Innovations from GBM Works
In response to these challenges, GBM Works was conceived as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology. It engineered the Vibrojet system, which uniquely integrates vibrations and water jets to install monopiles. This approach reportedly cuts noise pollution by up to 63%, potentially lowering installation costs and timeframes.
The Vibrojet technique has been developed in cooperation with DEME Offshore and Deltares. These collaborations focus on methods like controlled fluidization of the seabed, implemented through water jetting and vibration. Their systemic design is informed by reliable predictive models, reinforcing the technology’s applicability.
Wouter van Westenbrugge, senior investment manager at Invest-NL, remarked,
“Offshore wind is a vital pillar of the energy transition, and GBM Works’ Vibrojet technology makes this possible in a much more sustainable way.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting innovations that meet stricter environmental standards and stated,
“We believe it’s crucial to support innovations that remove these barriers.”
By addressing both efficiency and ecological concerns with their Vibrojet technique, companies like GBM Works exemplify a modernized approach to wind energy development. As noise restrictions grow more stringent globally, investments in such technology are likely to increase, providing companies with opportunities to lead in sustainable practices. The market’s readiness to continue supporting these innovative solutions reflects a broader shift towards balancing development with environmental stewardship.
