Offshore Wind Energy
Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy source rapidly developing across Europe and Asia, greatly reducing the need for fossil fuels and a vital part in transitioning to clean energy. With the push for renewable energy options becoming a more pressing consideration with the progression of climate change, offshore wind has become one of the most reliable options to assist in energy generation. The implementation of this can already be seen through the UK due to its efficacy, to the extent that Scotland has been able to produce more renewable energy for the country than required through offshore wind alone.
Why Offshore Wind?
Job Creation
The UK Government estimated 40 gigawatts of offshore wind energy would support 60,000 new jobs.
The Global Wind Energy Council estimates Australia has the potential to generate up to 5,000 gigawatts.
Location
Locating the wind farms offshore creates distance from the population, reducing the noise pollution, effect on the environment, and drastically increasing the space available for more turbines on the wind farm allowing the supply of more energy to homes and businesses.
Technology
Technology in the area is rapidly advancing and the capacity of an average turbine is expected to increase from 8 megawatts to over 15 megawatts in the next 5 years.
Sustainability
The use of fossil fuels as a source of energy is finite and detrimental to the environment. Wind farms provide an infinite and renewable source of energy that will help tackle climate change and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment.
The Goal of Net Zero Emissions
Renewable energy sources are necessary to counter the growing impact of climate change on the environment, and offshore wind is proving to be one of the most effective alternatives to fossil fuels. In the current global market the UK, China and Germany are leading the charge in the implementation of offshore wind energy with plans to increase their total capacity by more than 10 times by 2050. Offshore wind is perhaps the most viable option in achieving net zero emissions by 2050, providing a clean and reliable energy source. The increase in Government investments and developing technology has led to positive outlooks for many nations new to offshore wind. There are now over 2500 projects underway or in planning to develop offshore wind farms across 53 countries.
