Offshore wind promises green power

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 28, 2022

Insight summary

Offshore wind power is reshaping our energy landscape with both fixed and floating turbine options. While fixed turbines are simpler to construct, floating ones harness stronger winds but face challenges in power transmission. As this industry grows, it offers diverse job opportunities, promotes sustainable energy, and requires addressing environmental and community concerns.

Wind power recycling context

Offshore wind power is becoming increasingly viable as a reliable source of energy thanks to recent technological advancements. Thanks to continued government support and healthy private sector investment, offshore wind power is and will continue to produce large amounts of clean, carbon-neutral, environmentally-friendly electricity.

Offshore wind energy installations can be divided into two types: fixed and floating. Fixed wind turbines are standard wind turbines, redesigned for sea service and embedded in the seabed. Floating wind turbines are mounted on free-floating platforms, permitting installation at depths that would make fixed turbines prohibitive.

Fixed turbines are easier to build and support. However, the winds in areas of greater seafloor depths are stronger and more consistent, giving floating turbines an advantage in terms of energy generation and supply. The downside to floating turbines is power transmission because the distance from shore imposes greater challenges on that front.

Disruptive impact

As the world grapples with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, offshore wind presents an opportunity to transition to a more sustainable energy source. For individuals, this shift could mean a more stable and potentially cheaper energy supply in the long run. Moreover, as the demand for clean energy grows, homeowners and businesses might consider investing in smaller-scale offshore wind projects, providing them with a direct source of renewable energy.

As the sector expands, there will be a need for a wide range of professions beyond engineering. These professions include roles in maintenance, logistics, and project management. For companies, especially those in the energy sector, there's a chance to diversify their portfolios. Transitioning from traditional energy sources to offshore wind can provide a stable revenue stream, especially as global demand for renewable energy increases. Governments can benefit too, as a thriving offshore wind industry can boost the economy, increase tax revenues, and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.

However, it's essential to address the environmental and social concerns associated with offshore wind farms. Effective planning and community engagement can mitigate issues like visual pollution and access to fishing grounds. By investing in research, we can develop strategies to minimize disturbances to marine life and birds. For seaside communities, the introduction of educational programs can highlight the benefits of offshore wind, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding.

Implications of offshore wind

Wider implications of offshore wind may include:

• A shift in educational priorities, emphasizing renewable energy studies, leading to a new generation of experts equipped to manage and expand the offshore wind industry.
• The emergence of new business models focusing on local, decentralized energy production, allowing communities to become more self-reliant and less dependent on large-scale energy providers.
• The creation of specialized job training programs, preparing workers from declining industries for roles in the growing offshore wind sector.
• Coastal cities adopting more resilient infrastructure designs, factoring in the presence of offshore wind farms, leading to safer and more efficient urban planning.
• The introduction of policies that prioritize the protection of marine ecosystems, ensuring that offshore wind installations coexist harmoniously with marine life.
• The establishment of international collaborations and agreements, fostering shared research, development, and best practices in offshore wind energy.
• A change in maritime transportation routes and practices, accommodating the presence of wind farms and ensuring safe navigation for ships.
• The development of advanced energy storage solutions, addressing the intermittent nature of wind energy and ensuring consistent power supply to consumers.
• The rise of community-led initiatives advocating for or against offshore wind projects, influencing local decision-making and shaping the future of coastal developments.

Questions to consider

• Do you think that the greater generation capacity of floating wind platforms outweighs their higher cost? Are floating wind turbines practical as a power source?
• Do you think that complaints of visual pollution regarding offshore wind farms should be considered when installing them?