|
contents | technologies | |||||||||
| Lessons learned on offshore wind  From initial site selection through to planning, installation and operation, today's offshore wind industry covers a wide range of disciplines, expertise and industrial sectors. Specific case studies and lessons learned from all of these areas were presented on the final day of the European Offshore Wind Conference in Berlin, to help future projects be delivered faster and more efficiently. This day, delegates learned more about big offshore projects, with presentations examining the different phases in the development of a project, from site selection to government go-ahead to placing the turbines in the sea.The Egmond aan Zee wind farm was the first big wind farm to be built in the North Sea off the Dutch coast, while Burbo Bank in the UK is a 90 MW capacity farm, officially inaugurated in October 2007, which has monopile foundations and 3.6 MW turbines. Lillgrund is Sweden's only offshore farm, based in the shallow Oresund Channel. The offshore wind research platform FINO1, set up four years ago in the North Sea off Germany to investigate the offshore environment, was presented to delegates. The platform looks at wind and wave conditions and determines the effects of future offshore wind farms on marine flora and fauna. Participants also learned about the German energy agency's research project, entitled "Case Study of European Offshore Wind Farms". The project presents and evaluates experiences from planning and development procedures at eight offshore wind farms in different EU countries, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Conference participants heard about the various different lessons learned from these case studies. They listened to recommendations from companies involved in offshore projects that can ensure the success of future plans. The Berlin event was a great success, with more than 2000 participants attending the sessions, and 120 exhibitors offering a range of services and solutions in the fast-expanding offshore wind market. Crucial steps forward in the development of offshore wind have been taken at the conference in Berlin, notably the announcement by the Commission of an action plan for offshore wind energy. This is key to meeting the 20% renewables target. Also of great importance is the signing of the Joint Declaration for research cooperation by Sweden, Denmark and Germany. "The three days of discussions and presentations at the European offshore wind energy conference have amply demonstrated the power and potential of this form of energy. Europe must now prioritise clean technologies such as offshore wind in order to meet its renewables objective", concluded conference chair, Kaj Lindvig. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |