Combined technical and economic evaluation of the Northern European offshore wind resource

A model encapsulating the major technical and economic features of bottom-mounted offshore wind farms is described. Intended as a preliminary design tool, the model has been used for studies of the relationship between farm design parameters and the resulting cost of energy. When coupled with a Geographical Information System, the model facilitates evaluation of the offshore wind resource across wide regions. Starting with a limited quantity of environmental information, contour maps showing areas suitable for offshore wind farm construction, and the cost of the energy that would result can be produced. The system has been used to assess the Northern European offshore resource, allowing conclusions to be drawn regarding the influence of turbine size on the cost of energy.