Offshore wind energy is expected to be a major contributor towards the UK Government"s 2010 target for renewable generation, and is being taken increasingly seriously by the UK energy sector. Companies involved in the UK offshore market now include multinational energy and utility companies. The UK has potentially the largest offshore wind resource in the world, with relatively shallow waters and a strong wind resource extending far into the North Sea. The UK has been estimated to have over 33% of the total European potential offshore wind resource - enough to power the country nearly three times over. This book explores the challenges ahead for offshore wind such as developing an offshore grid, working in ever deeper water, reliability of devices and making the whole process cost effective.Also available:Marine Energy - ISBN 9780863419614 Biofuels - ISBN 9780863419591This new series of books from the IET brings together the engineering aspects of renewable energy technology, power generation and systems integration. Covering all aspects of renewable and sustainable power and highlighting the key principles behind each technology, its state of development and its relevance in the power industry. With energy and sustainability being areas of primary concern, these books are practical in approach and appeal to specialists and non-specialists alike, providing a thorough understanding to the economical and environmental issues as well as key engineering features.The Institution of Engineering and Technology is one of the world"s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community. The IET publishes more than 100 new titles every year; a rich mix of books, journals and magazines with a back catalogue of more than 350 books in 18 different subject areas including: -Power & Energy -Renewable Energy -Radar, Sonar & Navigation -Electromagnetics -Electrical Measurement -History of Technology -Technology Management