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Offshore wind energy is pivotal for achieving global renewable energy targets. As of 2022, 12% of global electricity is derived from wind and solar power, with an imperative to reach 90% renewable energy by 2050. The offshore wind industry, constituting 7.1% of global wind power, plays a central role in meeting these goals. The Global Wind Energy Alliance envisions reaching 380 GW by 2030 and 2000 GW by 2050. This paper addresses corrosion challenges in the offshore environment, emphasising sacrificial coatings as an effective mitigation strategy. By critically evaluating the latest revisions of widely used international standards such as Norsok M-501, ISO 12944, and VGBE-S-021, the study focuses on zinc- and aluminium-rich coatings that form a galvanic couple with steel, providing cathodic protection. Liquid coatings, thermally sprayed coatings, and hot-dip galvanised coatings are examined for their applicability with discussion on the advantages and limitations of these systems. Considerations of cost, environmental impact, and testing methods are crucial in selecting corrosion mitigation strategies. The review alludes to these requirements and highlights the significance of durable solutions, such as sacrificial coatings, in ensuring the long-term integrity of offshore wind structures amid the sector’s rapid expansion. Further collaborative research, involving industry and academia, is recommended to refine testing regimes and explore innovative coating solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, there is growing discourse surrounding climate change, global warming, and the possibility of urban smog. Daily, we encounter air pollutants unwittingly, often oblivious to the substantial adverse impacts they may impart on our health. This manuscript furnishes a thorough examination of the shifts in the concentrations of distinct air pollutants, namely, sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, within the contexts of the United Kingdom (a country progressively transitioning to alternative energy sources) and Poland (a country in the EU with the second lowest climate policy evaluation in the climate change performance index or CCPI) from 1970 to 2020. This comparative study between the two countries clearly showed the importance of the transition to clean energy sources. The UK's efforts towards cleaner energy sources have led to reduced emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter. In contrast, Poland's heavy dependence on energy primarily from coal over the years has resulted in elevated pollution levels, notably in the concentration of pollutants such as particulate matter. This study also revealed that changes in emissions predominantly stem from technological advancements and economic activities. Additionally, political regulations and the gradual phase-out of specific fuels or energy-rich substances and their substitution with alternative energy sources have also imparted considerable influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the corrosion mitigation methods that is used for the protection of steel operating in seawater environments involves the application of sacrificial metallic coatings (such as aluminium, zinc, and their alloys). This paper reviews current knowledge about thermally-sprayed (TS) and cold-sprayed (CS) Al coatings for the corrosion protection of steel. It also summarises the key findings of the substantial amount of work that has been devoted to understanding mechanisms and the parameters that control the performance of TS Al coatings, such as the spraying method and its parameters like coating thickness and the application of sealer. The paper includes suggestions for areas of further research that could lead to the development of more resilient and longer-lasting coatings, based on the results from both laboratory and field tests that have been published in the literature. It also highlights the need for conducting simulated laboratory tests at conditions of intended service and the importance of long-term testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]