Offshore Wind: Technologies, Ecological Risks & Prospects

Offshore wind has been envisaged as making a critical contribution in Europe in satisfying the electricity demand in a low-carbon generation scenario. In fact, offshore environment provides a windier and steadier source compared to onshore wind energy. Offshore wind turbine rotors and generators create value by farming the wind, converting its energy into electricity. Costly infrastructure -- the very high towers, deep seabed foundations, buried high voltage insulated cables, on-platform transformers and complete subsea transmission grid -- and expensive at-sea maintenance are required because this electricity is not where it is needed. This book discusses offshore wind technologies and examines the ecological risks and prospects of offshore wind. See more