Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principles of aerodynamics governing wind turbine power extraction and operation.
• Differentiate between onshore and offshore wind turbine technology and foundation types.
• Master the process of wind resource assessment, including measurement techniques and data analysis.
• Conduct preliminary site selection, considering technical, environmental, and social constraints.
• Understand the logistics, permitting, and construction challenges unique to offshore wind farms.
• Develop effective Operations & Maintenance (O&M) strategies for maximizing turbine availability and lifespan.
• Analyze the grid integration challenges and ancillary services provided by wind farms.
• Evaluate the economic drivers and financing structures for large-scale wind power projects.

• Wind Energy Project Developers and Managers
• Utility Engineers and Grid Operators
• Mechanical and Electrical Engineers in the wind sector
• Environmental Consultants and Permitting Specialists
• Technical Asset Managers and O&M Directors
• Investment Analysts and Financiers of energy projects
• Government Regulators and Energy Planners

• **Scenarios:** Developing a detailed O&M plan for a remote offshore wind farm, including crew logistics and component inventory.
• **Case Studies:** Analyzing the regulatory approval process and community conflicts for a highly contentious onshore wind project.
• **Group Activities:** Collaboratively optimizing the layout of a 200MW wind farm to minimize wake losses and maximize annual energy production (AEP).
• **Individual Exercises:** Analyzing wind resource data to determine the optimal turbine class and hub height for a specific coastal location.
• **Mini-Case Studies:** Rapid evaluation of a new blade material or inspection technique for its potential to reduce O&M costs.
• **Syndicate Discussions:** Debating the long-term cost and environmental viability of fixed-bottom versus floating offshore wind technologies.
• **Risk Assessment:** Creating a risk matrix for the construction phase of a major offshore project.

Unit 1: Wind Energy Science and Technology

• The physics of wind: resource measurement and wind speed distribution (Weibull).
• Rotor aerodynamics: lift, drag, and the Betz Limit.
• Detailed breakdown of a wind turbine: nacelle, gearbox, generator, power electronics.
• Pitch and yaw control systems for power regulation and protection.
• Comparison of direct-drive vs. geared turbines and their operational profiles.
• Evolution of turbine size, power rating, and capacity factor trends.

Unit 2: Wind Resource and Site Assessment

• Methods for wind data collection: anemometers, lidar, and satellite data.
• Using wind flow modeling software for micrositing and array layout optimization.
• Identifying and mitigating wake effects between turbines in a wind farm.
• Acoustic (noise) modeling and visual impact assessment for onshore sites.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for both terrestrial and marine environments.
• Land lease negotiation and community engagement for successful siting.

Unit 3: Onshore vs. Offshore Project Development

• Unique challenges of offshore foundation types (monopiles, jackets, floating systems).
• Logistical planning for transporting and installing large offshore components.
• The differences in grid connection and subsea cable technology.
• The specialized permitting process for marine environments and coastal zones.
• Comparative analysis of installation costs and operational risks (onshore vs. offshore).

Unit 4: Grid Integration and Market Operation

• Wind power forecasting, variability, and its impact on grid stability.
• The role of wind farms in providing ancillary services (e.g., reactive power, frequency regulation).
• Curtailment mechanisms and economic dispatch issues.
• Integrating wind power with energy storage to enhance predictability.
• Regulatory frameworks for market access and revenue mechanisms.

Unit 5: Operations, Maintenance, and Asset Management

• Developing a risk-based O&M strategy (preventive vs. predictive maintenance).
• Advanced remote monitoring and SCADA systems for fault detection.
• Techniques for blade inspection, repair, and composite material maintenance.
• Downtime analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs) like availability factor.
• Safety protocols for high-altitude and offshore work environments.
• Strategies for wind farm life extension and repowering projects.