Risks and Uncertainties in the Planning Phase of Offshore Wind Projects
Megaprojects are large and complex projects that entail multi-actor management, non-standard technology and processes. This chapter aims to explore offshore wind projects (OWPs) as megaprojects, particular in the planning phase. Based on interviews with 26 experts from a variety of backgrounds in the offshore wind industry in The Netherlands, the risks and uncertainties in the planning phase of OWPs and key factors in the decision making process are explored. A framework is presented that depicts the planning phase of an OWP, as well as ten risks and seven uncertainties that are most common in an OWP. The role of the government and the project structure are further highlighted. The findings of this research allow practitioners to gain a better overview of the planning process of an OWP and can help to improve asset management decision making.