Mesoscale modelling of the UK offshore wind resource

Knowledge of the wind conditions at a potential offshore wind farm site is key in reducing investment risk. This is normally done through the use of large meteorological masts. However, the increasing scale of the turbines offshore requires higher and more expensive masts, driving interest in the use of alternatives to extend accurate assessment of the resource. This work examines the use of the WRF mesoscale model for assessing the wind resource at UK offshore sites. A comparison is made with existing data at two offshore sites, Scroby Sands and Shell Flats. In addition, a projection is made of the wind conditions and variability at a potential UK Round 3 site.