Work

Potential environmental impacts of marine renewable energy due to the release of microplastic particles from synthetic mooring cables

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The large-scale exploitation of offshore renewable energy in floating platforms will increase the use of synthetic mooring cables to secure them to the sea-bottom, because of the need to employ low-cost and lightweight materials to ensure economic viability. The degradation of these cables will release microplastic particles to the ocean, causing environmental impacts that have so far received little attention. Here, we try to raise awareness to this potential problem, by explaining the fundamental differences between offshore renewable energy structures and traditional ones, such as oil platforms, in what concerns their economics and layout at sea, listing the most relevant materials for mooring cables, and discussing potential problems and solutions. These impacts have not yet materialised because offshore renewable energy technology is only now reaching commercial viability, but are likely to become an issue in the future.

Source: Environmental Research Letters

DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/adc9cb

Authors: Guilherme Moura Paredes, Alvise Vianello

Institutions: Universidade Politécnica de Viana do Castelo, Aalborg University

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,045