Theme Z : Environmental Issues

Offshore wind farm technology is expected to make a significant contribution to meeting the UK Government target of 20% of the country's electricity needs through renewable sources by 2020; this will not be achieved without addressing the environmental impacts of such development. Offshore wind farms cover large areas of open water making them potential hazards to navigation and highly exposed to the danger of lightning strikes. A number of potential sites are considered to be close to or encroach into waters with a high density of shipping movements or waters used by fishing vessels and recreational craft.

The sea conditions also make the tower foundations susceptible to scour processes which may degrade the quality of the foundation with time.

Sub-themes:

1. Foundation Scour
2. Radar Cross Section (RCS)
3. Lightning Protection

10-Aug-2009