SYNOPSIS

After several decades of theoretical developments, desk studies, experimental wind turbines and prototype windfarms, the first large-scale commercial developments of offshore windfarms are now being built. To support and accelerate this development, the European Commission is funding a project, 'Concerted Action on Offshore Wind Energy in Europe ' (CA-OWEE), which aims to gather and distribute knowledge on all aspects of offshore wind energy, including: offshore technology, electrical integration, economics, environmental impacts and political aspects. The partners are from a wide range of fields and include developers, utilities, consultants, research institutes and universities. Information will be freely disseminated through a web site, www.offshorewindenergy.org, printe