10/21/2026
The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transition as it shifts toward renewable energy. Researchers at Purdue University’s Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research are advancing anchoring technology for offshore renewable infrastructure by developing and testing innovative materials and anchorage systems.
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal offer promise but require significant space, while hydroelectric dams can have major environmental and social impacts. Floating wind and solar farms are gaining momentum because they harness strong winds and sunlight over water without occupying valuable land. However, their success depends on durable anchoring systems.
A team led by Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering professors Akanshu Sharma, Jan Olek, Pablo Zavattieri,, Jeffrey Youngblood, along with postdoctoral researcher Deepak Suthar, is testing a concrete-based suction anchor as an alternative to traditional steel anchors. The research is being conducted in collaboration with Sperra, a Boulder, Colorado-based company that designs structural systems for energy projects in aquatic environments.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Wjoom0
