An Overview and Awareness Briefing for Offshore Renewable Energy, Wind, Wave, Flow, Hydrokinetic and Thermal Convertors

Abstract

In recent years much progress has been made getting Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), wind, wave and current/flow harnessed for use in electrical supply. This paper is aimed at giving the newcomer to ORE, both wind and Marine Hydro Kinetic (MHK) devices, an awareness and understanding of the basics. This includes what is needed to garner energy from natural offshore resources, what some of the issues/challenges are, and what some of the currently proposed solutions are and where they are in their maturity. Also included is a resource and reference list where further information may be obtained. This is not a definitive dialogue of everything that is happening in the ORE arena, but more an overview, orientation and guideline for the early entrant. This paper is focused on the physical and technical issues and does not endeavor to get into details regarding the financial and economics questions and details. The economic and financial element of this emerging industry is a very complex issue with many variables and deserves its own focus.