SUP: Offshore Wind Energy in Norway: Setting the Basis

Norway has massive offshore energy resources. Offshore wind energy by means of floating structures may open a third energy era in Norway, following hydropower and petroleum. The resource is renewable and lasting. The project objective is to improve the ex isting knowledge in the design, interconnection and operation of offshore wind farms in order to harvest this energy competitively, to enable the introduction of a new technology. Current state of the art is insufficient to make economical use of offshor e wind energy. Due to limited access for repair offshore wind turbines must be highly reliable and cannot be manufactured according to land-based criteria. Floating structures, which is a complete new challenge for wind turbines, are being studied to face the harsh environment. Mooring system for floating wind farms must ensure safety and availability in a harsh environment of waves, current and wind forces. Another major challenge is transmitting the generated electricity to shore and stability issues in troduced with the new grid codes for wind power. But challenges are not only in the technology front. It is crucial that the solutions developed are sustainable beyond the global warming perspective. Difficulties in financial funding make the technology t o be regarded as non-economically competitive with fossil fuels. Better understanding of innovation and economics related to meso-macro scale cost/benefit analysis that guides investment is needed to bring this new technology in competition with the alrea dy established fossil plants. Only by bringing together the research skills from structural engineering, electrical engineering, hydrodynamics, economic, social and environmental sciences will make possible a real breakthrough to make offshore alternative energy a commercial reality. The findings from the project will help to bring to the market technologies that are already under development (Hywind, SWAY). Land based wind farms will also benefit from the finding.