Planning of an Offshore Wind Farm in the Mediterranean Sea

In the recent years, research has been increasingly directed towards the design and construction of offshore wind farms (OWFs). This is mostly due to the considerably stronger, more consistent and less turbulent wind speeds offshore, something that results in increased power production. Furthermore, OWFs are characterized by a reduced visual impact as they are placed far away from the coast. On the other hand, offshore wind turbines (OWTs) destined for OWFs are relatively complex structural and mechanical systems located in a more demanding, harsher operating environment. The purpose of this paper is to present, critically and in a system manner, the main aspects influencing the basis of the design of OWT structures for an OWF in central Italy. In particular, the essential role of the structural analysis supporting the decisional process is enlightened. The project under consideration is characterized by elevated complexity due to the harsh environment (wind, wave and current actions), and the innovating characteristics, being, among else, the support structures placed in elevated depth, in the range of 20–35 meters, while up to now, the vast majority of OWFs have been set up in quite shallow waters. The support structures are designed for turbines of up to 5 MW that only recently started to enter the market.