1. Offshore Wind Energy Development – Technical Challenges
Photo courtesy Deepwater Wind
Darryl K. François Chief, Engineering and Technical Review, Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Annual Mason Energy Symposium, Energy-Water Nexus
George Mason University | April 26, 2018

2. Recipe for Success: The Wind Resource
This map shows the annual average wind power estimates at a height of 50 meters. It is a combination of high resolution and low resolution datasets produced by NREL and other organizations. The data was screened to eliminate areas unlikely to be developed onshore due to land use or environmental issues. In many states, the wind resource on this map is visually enhanced to better show the distribution on ridge crests and other features.
This map shows the annual average wind power estimates at a height of 50 meters. It is a combination of high resolution and low resolution datasets produced by NREL and other organizations. The data was screened to eliminate areas unlikely to be developed onshore due to land use or environmental issues. In many states, the wind resource on this map is visually enhanced to better show the distribution on ridge crests and other features.

3. Atlantic OCS: Geology & Water Depth Variation lead to Differing Physical Constraints

4. Growth of the Wind Turbine

5. Design Choices: Buildable Yes; But Where AND How?
Josh Bauer/NREL 5

6. Design Challenge: Understanding Stress/Load Conditions

7. Recent Study Topics: Offshore Technology
Laboratory testing of lateral load response for monopiles in sand
Guidelines for structural health monitoring
Breaking wave loads on offshore wind turbines
Cyclic loading effects on suction bucket foundations
Partially vs. fully coupled dynamic analysis
Meteorological and oceanographic data measurement standards for U.S. waters
Type and extent of geotechnical data analysis for wind farm projects

8. Environmental Studies: Subject Areas
Funds for Renewable Energy Information Needs | FY Cumulative (~$30M)
Habitat & Ecology (48%)
Social Science & Economics (19%)
Fates & Effects (11%)
Information Management (11%)
Marine Mammals & Protected Species (9%)
Air Quality (2%)
Physical Oceanography (>1%)
Includes obligations for studies in all regions supporting environmental information needs for renewable energy, totaling $29.3 million

9. Information Resources: Regional Data Portals
Natural and Cultural Resources
Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles
Birds
Fish
Habitat
Restoration
Historic and Cultural Resources
Human Activities
Marine Transportation
National Security
Commercial Fishing
Recreational Fishing
Recreation
Energy and Infrastructure
Aquaculture
Sand and Gravel
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portals help to identify important user groups -- such as commercial and recreational fishermen, commercial transportation, and the military -- who are most likely to interact with new offshore energy developments and therefore should be engaged in the commercial leasing process

10. Questions?