Train2Wind · Project

Research on Optimal Offshore Wind Farm Spacing to Prevent Billions in Misplaced Investment

energyPrototypeTRL 3Thin data (2/5)

When you put wind turbines offshore, each one slows down the wind behind it. Onshore, natural turbulence mixes fresh wind back in pretty quickly — but out at sea, the air is calmer, so the only way wind gets replenished is from above, like pouring water into a glass from the top. Train2Wind trained 20 researchers to study exactly how this "refilling from above" works using computer models, wind tunnels, drones, and radar. The big question: are we planning to pack offshore wind farms too tightly, and could that waste tens of billions of euros?

By the numbers

Research fellows trained through the program

University partners in the consortium

Countries represented (CH, DE, DK, NO)

Total project deliverables

Demo deliverable (improved engineering model)

The business problem

What needed solving

Offshore wind farms are being planned at massive scale across European waters, but there is a critical open question: how densely can turbines and wind farm clusters be packed before they starve each other of wind? Getting this wrong could mean tens of billions of euros misallocated to wind farms that underperform because they are spaced too tightly. Government agencies preparing Marine Spatial Plans need better data on these physical limits.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered an improved engineering model for predicting wind entrainment in large offshore wind farms, plus 8 additional deliverables. Research was conducted using advanced computer simulations (WRF, LES), wind tunnel experiments, and field measurements with lidars, radars, satellites, and drones at real offshore wind farm sites.

Audience

Who needs this

Offshore wind farm developers planning large-scale installationsMarine spatial planning consultancies advising European governmentsWind resource assessment firms modeling wake effectsOffshore wind farm operators optimizing existing arraysDrone and lidar companies serving the offshore wind measurement market

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Offshore Wind Development

enterprise

Target: Offshore wind farm developers and operators

If you are an offshore wind developer planning large-scale installations — this project produced an improved engineering model for predicting how wind replenishes itself above and around large wind farms. Understanding these entrainment limits helps you avoid spacing turbines too closely, which reduces output per turbine and wastes capital. The research used real data from some of the largest offshore wind farms in operation.

Marine Spatial Planning & Consulting

mid-size

Target: Environmental or spatial planning consultancies advising governments

If you are a consultancy advising government agencies on Marine Spatial Plans for European waters — this project investigated whether there is a physical limit to how densely offshore wind farms can be installed. Their findings from advanced computer models and field measurements with lidars, drones, and satellites can inform spacing guidelines and prevent allocation of sea zones that would underperform due to wake effects.

Wind Energy Technology & Instrumentation

SME

Target: Companies manufacturing or deploying lidar, radar, or drone-based wind measurement systems

If you are a company providing wind measurement solutions — this project deployed lidars, radars, satellites, and Unmanned Aerial Systems to measure wind fields above, inside, and downstream of large offshore wind farms. Their validated measurement methodologies and datasets could help you benchmark your instruments or develop new products targeting the offshore wind monitoring market.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would this cost to implement or license?

Train2Wind was an MSCA-ITN training network — primarily a PhD research and training program, not a commercial product. The improved engineering model may be available through academic licensing from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) and partner universities, but no commercial pricing exists. Engagement would likely be through research collaboration or consulting agreements.

Can this work at industrial scale?

The research specifically targeted industrial-scale offshore wind farms. Some of the largest offshore wind farm operators provided access to their data and sites for measurements. However, the outputs are research models and datasets, not turnkey commercial tools — scaling to operational use would require further engineering and validation.

What is the IP situation?

As an MSCA-ITN project, intellectual property is typically retained by the participating universities (all 5 partners are academic institutions). The improved engineering model deliverable would likely be available under academic terms. No patents or commercial licenses are indicated in the available data.

Is there regulatory relevance?

Directly relevant. The project explicitly addresses Marine Spatial Planning for European waters, which governments are currently preparing. Updated knowledge on entrainment limits can inform regulations on minimum spacing between offshore wind farms and clusters, potentially preventing misallocation of investment.

What was actually measured and delivered?

The project produced 9 deliverables including an improved engineering model. Researchers used lidars, radars, satellites, and drones (UAS) to measure wind fields above, inside, and downstream of large offshore wind farms. A total of 20 fellows were trained through the program.

Who were the industry partners?

The consortium had zero industry partners — all 5 organizations across 4 countries (Denmark, Germany, Norway, Switzerland) are universities. However, the objective states that some of the largest offshore wind farm operators provided data access and site access for measurements, though they were not formal consortium members.

How mature is this technology?

This is fundamental and applied research, not a ready-to-deploy product. The project produced an improved engineering model, but it was primarily a training network for 20 PhD and research fellows. Additional development would be needed to turn research outputs into commercial tools.

Consortium

Who built it

The Train2Wind consortium consists of 5 partners across 4 countries (Denmark, Germany, Norway, Switzerland) — all universities with zero industry participation. Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) in Denmark coordinated. The entirely academic makeup is typical for MSCA-ITN training networks, which prioritize doctoral education. While major offshore wind operators contributed data and site access, they were not formal partners. For a business looking to engage, this means all IP sits with universities, and any technology transfer would go through academic channels. The lack of industry partners also means the outputs have not been stress-tested in commercial settings.

DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITETCoordinator · DK
KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITETparticipant · DK
ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNEparticipant · CH
EBERHARD KARLS UNIVERSITAET TUEBINGENparticipant · DE
UNIVERSITETET I BERGENparticipant · NO

How to reach the team

Coordinator is at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Denmark. SciTransfer can help identify the right contact person.

Order a report on this consortium See DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to connect with the Train2Wind team at DTU to discuss their improved engineering model for offshore wind farm spacing? SciTransfer can arrange an introduction.

Order a report on this topic More in Energy & Climate