Offshore Wind Power

Offshore wind energy is expected to be a major contributor towards the UK Government's 2010 target for renewable generation, and is being taken increasingly seriously by the UK energy sector. Companies involved in the UK offshore market now include multinational energy and utility companies. The UK has potentially the largest offshore wind resource in the world, with relatively shallow waters and a strong wind resource extending far into the North Sea. The UK has been estimated to have over 33% of the total European potential offshore wind resource - enough to power the country nearly three times over. This book explores the challenges ahead for offshore wind such as developing an offshore grid, working in ever deeper water, reliability of devices and making the whole process cost effective.