Abstract
The RAVE research initiative runs simultaneously with the construction and operation of the "alpha ventus" test site to attain broad based experience and knowledge for future offshore wind parks.
RAVE is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor Safety (BMU) following a resolution by the German Federal Parliament and is co-ordinated by Fraunhofer IWES. It joints the scientific activities of the plant manufacturers and a multitude of research institutions. In total the BMU has allocated 50 million Euro for the research and further development of wind energy utilisation at sea.