- Category: Articles
Optimisation of Foundation Schemes in Terms of Overall Economic Viability
Over 15% of the cost of an offshore wind turbine is usually attributable to the foundations. Foundation installation and erection of the turbine constitutes one of the greatest areas of risk for an offshore development, because of the problems posed by working in an often difficult marine environment. Developing alternative foundation systems and addressing installation techniques that are less weather sensitive will have a direct and significant impact on the economic viability of offshore wind farm schemes. Results of studies for several offshore wind sites are presented in this article to demonstrate the savings that can be made by innovative thinking in terms of foundation design and construction. Relative costs of foundation systems are compared for differing seabed conditions, together with an assessment of the associated risks in terms of certainty of out-turn costs and schedule.
By Rachel Nicholls, Associate, Arup, USA
- Category: Articles
Development of the Sheringham Shoal wind farm
Scira Offshore Energy (Scira) is developing a 315MW offshore wind farm 20km north of the Norfolk coast in UK waters. Scira is a special-purpose vehicle of Ecoventures from the Netherlands and SLP Energy from the UK. Ecofys BV is technical consultant to Scira, providing technical project management and specialist services. In this article the preparations for this large wind farm are described along the lines of the technical, organisational, economic and environmental requirements.
By Quirin Sluijs, Manager Wind Energy, and Bernard van Hemert, Senior Consultant, Ecofys BV, The Netherlands
- Category: Articles
The Design of a Cost-Effective Turnkey Solution
Before an offshore wind farm site is installed, there must be a geographical survey, wind analysis and environmental impact study for the area in consideration. To conduct these surveys and studies it is beneficial to have a site monitoring. In this article the authors describe the design considerations for such a system.
Before an offshore wind farm site is installed, there must be a geographical survey, wind analysis and environmental impact study for the area in consideration. To conduct these surveys and studies it is beneficial to have a site monitoring. In this article the authors describe the design considerations for such a system.
By Hans-Jorgen Hansen and Steven Thumbeck, MacArtney A/S, Denmark
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