Introduction to Offshore Wind Energy

Gain a solid introduction to offshore wind energy with the University of Bergen

Global investments in offshore wind energy are expected to increase significantly. Therefore, there is a growing need for specific knowledge on the opportunities and challenges in offshore wind.

This six-week course will provide you with a strong foundation of key issues related to the utilisation of offshore wind.

Learning from the experts at The University of Bergen, Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), you’ll finish the course with an understanding of the different perspectives, ambitions, and obstacles within the sector.

Understand how wind turbines operate

You’ll start with an overview of the key components of an offshore wind turbine. Next, you’ll be introduced to the basic aerodynamics of wind turbines, delving into the different components of a wind turbine and the principles used in a rotor blade.

Through this exploration, you’ll understand how we extract energy from wind and how this converts to power.

Explore the societal issues of offshore wind

Next, you’ll look at the industry from a European perspective, focusing on Norway as a world-leader in offshore operations. You’ll dive into the legal framework of offshore wind, including Europe’s ambitions and targets.

Through this exploration, you’ll start to understand the societal issues surrounding offshore wind and how the sector can co-exist with other industries such as aquaculture, marine transport, and tourism.

Understand how offshore wind impacts the marine environment

Finally, you’ll discuss the impacts of offshore wind on the marine environment. You’ll discover how turbines can impact marine life such as marine mammals, fish, and birds.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges of offshore wind energy.

The course is designed for people planning to work in or close to the offshore wind industry. However, as no prior experience is needed it is also for anyone interested in offshore wind.

The course is designed for people planning to work in or close to the offshore wind industry. However, as no prior experience is needed it is also for anyone interested in offshore wind.

• Describe main components of offshore wind turbines
• Improve the understanding of the offshore wind field
• Improve the understanding of how energy is extracted from the wind and converted to electricity
• Describe characteristic ground conditions important to the foundation of offshore wind turbines
• Reflect on important legal and coexistence issues.
• Describe impacts of offshore wind turbines may have on the marine environment