Evaluation methodologies and input data for offshore wind power plant electric topology assessment

Offshore wind power is attracting the interest of experts in a range of disciplines such as electricity, electronics, mechanics, materials, control, project management and financing. The objectives are bold. On the one hand, with the fossil era showing slight signs of decay, renewable sources of electricity are seen as a realistic supply of energy for societies of the XXI century. Marine renewable energies in general, and offshore wind energy in particular, are one of the most promising alternatives in this slow but global shift to renewable sources of electricity. On the other hand, during the last decade onshore wind has proven itself as a powerful economic drive for the countries leading its development. And that drive continues worldwide in areas with vast land and wind resources. In contrast, appropriate onshore sites are dwindling in some countries and governments, companies and academia are focusing on offshore wind.