Page 20 - CE JOURNAL FEB 2024 ISSUE 20

1. INTRODUCTION
Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are seeking to increase their share of renewable energy, to reduce
carbon emissions, improve air quality and increase energy security. Bermuda’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
published by the Regulatory Authority (RA), has a target of reaching 85% renewable energy generation by
2035. The main contributor to achieving the 2035 target is the development of a 60MW offshore wind farm
in Bermuda that would become operational in 2030.

An offshore wind farm in Bermuda has the potential to bring about a significant positive impact, encompassing
social, economic, and ecological areas. Foremost among these impacts is the generation of low-carbon
electricity, which can help to advance the island towards achieving its decarbonisation targets, improve energy
security and enhance the air quality within the capital city of Bermuda, Hamilton.

Developing an offshore wind farm in Bermuda is a novel project accompanied by various risks that could pose
difficulties for potential developers, such as the remote location, the relatively small size of the project, and
the wind regime characterised by relatively low, average wind speeds and very high extremes. In response
to this, the Regulatory Authority (RA) of Bermuda, as the procuring entity for the project, is proactively taking
steps to address these challenges through identifying and adopting a unique pre-procurement model to de-
risk the offshore wind project. This model extends the scope of the pre-procurement process to include a
wind measurement campaign and a seabed assessment, which are typically reserved for developers, aiming
to mitigate uncertainties, reduce potential risks and heighten developer interest.

The RA’s pre-procurement model could be directly applicable to other SIS that share Bermuda’s aspiration
of growing their renewable energy capacity and aim to increase the attractiveness of local renewable
energy development. The primary objective of this article is to provide an understanding of the strategic
approach embedded within this pre-procurement model, which encompasses seabed assessments and wind
measurement campaigns to proactively de-risk and minimise uncertainties in offshore wind development
projects.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT
To achieve the renewable energy goals outlined in Bermuda's IRP, the RA explored potential renewable
energy solutions for the island. Part of this exploration included a set of studies that were carried out to
understand the viability of offshore wind before engaging potential developers. In this pre-procurement phase,
the RA undertook a pre-feasibility study, investigations into seabed assessment and wind measurements,
environmental scoping study and public engagement.

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