Structural integrity of offshore wind trurbines

Abstract

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is responsible for the orderly, safe, and environmentally responsible development of offshore renewable energy on the outer continental shelf (OCS). The committee that authored this report was tasked with reviewing BOEMRE's proposed approach to overseeing the design of offshore wind turbines for structural integrity. The committee was asked to review the applicability and adequacy of standards and practices that could be used for the design, fabrication, and installation of offshore wind turbines. It was also asked to review the role of third-party certified verification agents (CVAs) and the expertise and qualifications needed to carry out the role of a CVA.