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Off-shore wind energy
From CopperWiki
Offshore Wind Energy brings all of the positive economic and environmental benefits of onshore development, as well as some unique characteristics.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
Offshore winds allow turbines to produce more electricity as they tend to flow at higher speeds than onshore winds, and are being used in a number of countries to harness the energy of the moving air over the oceans and convert it to electricity.
As wind blows harder off-shore, larger turbines can be installed. Many offshore wind farms are being proposed and developed today in densely populated Europe, where there is limited space on land and relatively large off-shore areas with shallow water.
[edit] Off-shore wind energy and environment
The following are the potential environmental impacts during construction, operations, and decommissioning of offshore wind facilities.
- Marine life. Turbine foundations can act as artificial reefs which can increase fish populations from the new food supply.
- Migrating birds. The turbines may cause possible collision with migratory birds. Tower illumination may also cause navigational disorientation for birds.
- Alter natural environments. Underwater support pilings, anchoring devices, scour-protection materials, and electromagnetic fields could cause a decrease in benthic communities, alter natural environments, and possibly affect migration patterns.
- Emissions. Each unit of electricity generated from the wind saves a unit generated from fossil fuels. This will help reduce greenhouses gases, pollutants, and waste products that result from fossil fuel use.
[edit] All about off-shore wind energy
Offshore turbines have greater technical needs than onshore turbines due to the more demanding climatic environmental exposure offshore. They need a stronger tower to cope with wind-wave interactions, protection against the nacelle components from sea air, and adding brightly colored access platforms for navigation and maintenance. Corrosion protection, internal climate control, high-grade exterior paint, and built-in service cranes are also provided to off-shore turbines.
To minimize expensive servicing, offshore turbines may have automatic greasing systems to lubricate bearings and blades and pre-heating and cooling systems to maintain gear oil temperature within a narrow temperature range.
[edit] Access to resource
- Offshore wind turbines generate more power than on-shore turbines because wind speeds are generally higher and the available wind is steadier.
- Off-srore wind is less turbulent, reducing wear on turbines.
- Larger turbines, which can capture more wind energy, are feasible offshore because transportation is easier via water.
- Allows shorter transmission lines to load centers and avoids some congestion bottlenecks by transmitting power from east to west.
- Because of the “sea breeze effect”, offshore wind turbines can generate energy during times of high electricity
[edit] Relationship to customer demand
- Offshore wind farms can generate energy near population centers.
- As it can transmit power in closer proximity to demand, offshore power production will alleviate some transmission bottlenecks
[edit] Economic opportunities
- Offshore wind development could spur assembly and transport activities in coastal cities.
- Offshore wind power provides green jobs and contributes to a clean technology economy.
[edit] Impacts are limited
- Compatible with existing uses – an offshore wind park will promote recreational fishing, as it can continue among the turbines.
- Foundations can create artificial reefs.
- Extensive studies at European sites have revealed no significant bird impacts and that, for the most part, birds avoid wind farms.
