Internship | Technical feasibility study of a novel monopile removal method for offshore wind decommissioning

Offshore wind decommissioning is entering a critical phase as volumes increase while practical experience remains limited. Methods applied to early-generation wind farms are unlikely to be directly transferable to today’s larger and more complex monopile-supported turbines, creating significant uncertainty around feasibility, safety, and execution. This master’s thesis focuses on the engineering feasibility of an innovative monopile removal concept, with the primary objective of feasibility and under which environmental and operational conditions it can be safely applied. The work is strongly engineering-driven, addressing structural behaviour, hydrodynamic loading, soil interaction, and operational constraints under realistic offshore conditions.

This thesis aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of an innovative offshore wind monopile removal approach and to define the conditions (design, environmental, and operational) under which it can be applied.
Proposed tasks:

• Review existing monopile cutting and decommissioning methods and their technical limitations
• Define a representative monopile case study (structure, soil, metocean conditions)
• Assess feasibility focusing on structural response, stability, soil interaction
• Identify feasible operating envelopes and key failure drivers
• Translate feasible solutions into indicative operational and cost implications
• Document results in a master’s thesis and, where possible, a conference paper

You have an engineering background (e.g. civil, mechanical, offshore, maritime, or structural engineering) and can critically assess the technical feasibility of novel offshore monopile decommissioning concepts, including structural, operational, and boundary‑condition aspects.

• You are motivated to explore an open‑ended research problem, perform a structured literature review, and translate a broad feasibility question into clear analyses and conclusions.
• You are comfortable combining technical insights with qualitative and techno‑economic considerations such as logistics, vessel usage, sequencing, and key cost drivers.
• You can clearly communicate complex technical findings in a well‑structured thesis and present results and recommendations concisely and transparently.
• You work independently and proactively, while effectively collaborating with supervisors and researchers from different disciplines and incorporating feedback into your work.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.