Offshore wind energy has the potential to harness more power than the world needs because it is sustainable and infinite. As more countries embrace sustainability to reduce carbon emissions in the coming years, offshore wind energy generation is likely to reach new heights. Despite the looming covid 19 pandemic, renewable energy generation has accounted for 90% of new electricity installations, with more people embracing solar and wind energy.
The offshore wind energy industry
The International Energy Agency expects renewable energy generation to surpass fossil fuel as the prominent form of electricity generation globally. Moreover, one of the United Nation’s goals urges to shift away from fossil fuels and ensure accessibility of clean and affordable energy for citizens. The earlier we adopt renewable energy solutions, the fast it is possible to counter climate change for our survival.
One of the promising renewable energy is the formidable offshore wind energy. According to research, offshore wind energy projects will be at more than 120,000gigawatts, eleven times the global electricity demand in 2040. Furthermore, offshore wind companies such as IQIP are expected to employ over 900,000 people globally in the next ten years.
The advantage of offshore wind farms
The wind is the second-largest source of renewable energy after hydropower. However, the future of onshore wind farms is limited due to land constraints and public opposition to wind turbine constructions near residential locations. On the other hand, offshore wind farms have a vast potential because they are located away from where people live, off the coast.
One of the advantages of constructing wind turbines offshore is that they can take advantage of the strong winds at sea or ocean and generate more power. The wind is consistent and strong at sea because there are no obstructions which means that the largest offshore wind turbine can generate between 14-15megawatts of energy, unlike onshore wind turbines that can only generate 4-5watts. The good news is that offshore wind technology is evolving and getting bigger, which will improve the efficiency of energy production.
The enormous promises of offshore wind energy have pushed countries to invest big in the technology. For instance, the UK, one of the leading countries in offshore wind energy generation, plans to harness one-third of its energy from offshore wind farms by 2030.
More countries worldwide are also starting to take advantage of crucial wind sites on their coasts. For instance, China is expected to host more than one-fifth of the world’s giant offshore wind farms by the end of the decade.
Affordable prices for bigger turbines
The cost of offshore wind turbines installations has dramatically declined. This is because the industry is expanding in technology, creating bigger and more powerful wind turbines. With powerful turbines, you need less of them to harness the energy, and the fewer the turbines, the less the installation cost. So offshore wind energy installation will go from expensive to competitive in a few years.
Final words
Offshore wind turbines are expected to be bigger and more affordable in the future to produce more energy to power the world. That explains why scientists speculate that offshore wind farms could theoretically power all humanity.
