A Risk Analysis Framework for Offshore Wind Turbines

This paper defines a risk analysis framework for offshore wind turbines (OWTs) and OWT farms. OWTs, due to their exposure to a demanding climatic environment, the use of particularly innovative construction methods and materials, and the relatively limited knowhow in the design and construction, are prone to elevated risk. The risk analysis problem is defined within a more global risk management framework, where several steps are foreseen in order to accomplish predetermined objectives. Starting from the establishment of the specific risk management context, the various steps for risk assessment are presented, together with the methods for risk identification, analysis, evaluation and mitigation, strictly related with the complexity of the system. As a final step, the options for risk treatment are considered. In addition, for the purpose of risk identification, a system decomposition of the relevant elements is performed, both physical related (e.g. the constituting parts) and for the external conditions and interactions.