By Research shows that by 2050, the installed offshore wind capacity will reach 630 gigawatts globally from about 20 gigawatts capacity.
The spike in interest in offshore wind farms is due to their many benefits over onshore farms. For instance, offshore wind speeds are faster, which means more energy production. Offshore wind farms share similar benefits to those onshore farms, such as job creation, renewable energy generation, and environmental friendliness.
Here is information that will help you learn more about offshore wind energy.
- Offshore Turbines Can Float
Offshore wind installation project managers use IQIP equipment to install wind turbines. A gravity foundation system is erected from wave action and about 30 meters over sea level. The system comprises large steel or concrete platforms weighing up to 10 tonnes with a diameter of up to 15 meters.
What you probably didn’t know is that offshore wind turbines do float. Some companies are rolling out innovative floating platforms, which are primarily applied in the deep waters. The common floating offshore wind platforms include the tension leg platform, spar-buoy, and semi-submersible.
- Offshore Wind Turbines Get Larger
If you have been tracking offshore wind energy development, you may have noticed that the offshore wind components continue to get larger. The good thing is they are often transported by barges and ships, which eliminates the logistical challenges that come with land-based turbines.
The larger the turbines, the more powerful they are. Large and powerful components make wind energy generation competitive and cheaper. The increase in energy production capacity is thanks to the long and aerodynamic blades, the rotor diameter increase, and the power generation software and hardware enhancements.
- How Does the Electricity Generated Offshore End Up on Land
You must be wondering how electricity generated offshore by the turbines is used on land. The offshore wind farms feature undersea cables, which transmit electricity to the grid on land. The cables are often buried on the sea floor and are connected to load centers on the coast.
The coastal load centers then determine where the electricity goes. They then distribute the electricity to the electrical grid supplying power to businesses, schools, and homes.
- Offshore Wind Energy is Plenty
Note that offshore wind energy contributes to only 0.3% of the world’s power generation. The truth, however, is that it has the potential for much more power. Studies show that offshore wind farms have the potential to produce over 420,000 TWh annually.
For this reason, governments and energy industries are exploring ways they can harness the energy to meet the world’s growing demand for power.
Conclusion
The outlook on offshore wind energy is positive. The clean source of power is expected to grow at a tremendous rate in the coming two decades, helping governments meet the energy demand of their people and, at the same time, reduce air pollution.
There is much more to learn about the clean energy source, offshore wind farm infrastructure, and their projects.
