Source: National Wildlife Federation
What Are They?
Offshore windfarms are wind turbines, or devices that use wind energy to create electricity, placed in large bodies of water, typically oceans. Winds are generally faster over the ocean than on land so to utilize this, scientists discovered that offshore wind farms could generate 15MW of electricity versus the standard 5 MW that is produced on land.
Locations
The main locations for offshore wind farms are primarily on the East Coast of the United States, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virgina, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland. The Pacific Coast includes projects in central and northern California.
Advantages
1. Immense Development Potential
The large scale and openness of the ocean allows for more development offshore than onshore. As technology increases for wind turbines, they are becoming larger. The ocean is the perfect space for numerous farms.
2. Superior Ocean Surface Winds
Offshore wind farms benefit from faster and consistent ocean surface wind speeds. Onshore winds are challenged by obstructed and surface roughness. In order to meet growing energy demands, reliable winds are necessary.
3. Job Creation and Economic Growth
The offshore wind farm industry is rapidly growing as developments continue to be made. Each gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity installed can create approximately 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, with roles in engineering and project management.
Source: Marine Safety Consultants
Disadvantages
1. Higher Costs
Due to its location in the harsh marine environment, the installation and maintenance will initially be very expensive ranging from over 70- 150 million just for one wind farm. This is a major factor in determining if the wind farm is going to be worth the cost in a specific location.
2. Impact on Marine Life
The construction can harm marine organisms and destroy habitats, birds flying overhead could be at risk of collisions, and it could lead to a loss of biodiversity. However, scientists are accounting for this by creating artificial reefs that act as sanctuaries for fish species in places where their habitats were once replaced.
3. Maintenace Challenges
These windfarms are vulnerable to strong winds, storm damage, and erratic weather patterns caused by the ocean. Therefore, maintenance can be frequently and again, costly. Additionally, accessing the location will be difficult because of its distance from land.
Source: Marine Biodiversity.ca
Backlash
(Opinion included)
Fossil Fuel Rebuttal
Since its popularity, fossil fuel companies have been calling out offshore wind farm projects and spreading misinformation and obstruction. They have funded organizations managed by climate-deniers and anti-wind groups such as the Caesar Rodney Institute and the State Policy Network. Their efforts to stop offshore wind farms are rooted in dishonest and manipulative. For example, one of their “projects” has been redirecting whale wash-ups as a result of the wind farms. This may be possible considering its ecosystem impact, but scientists could distinctly see a fishing line caught around his tail. This is just one of the many lies these companies has used to manipulate Americans into distracting them from the real cases that surround their company about environmental degradation.
Source: Offshore technology
Source: Ocean City New Jersey Daily
Beach Community Revolt
Specifically along the New Jersey coast, communities have strong opposition for wind farms due mostly to their unaesthetic appeal and economic values. They argue that because the wind farms are unattractive to look at while on the beach, there will be less tourism and therefore less money circulating local communities. Towns have filed lawsuits to halt the projects and cited concerns about its impact on the environment.
While these arguments are completely sound, they lack the comparison with what’s really destroying our environment: fossil fuels. In the future, we will see a continuation of oil drilling systems and cargo ships searching for more possible drilling sites. Wind farms don’t hold the visually appealing presentation as watching the waves crash does however, these ships will eventually populate the oceans. One way or another, as land becomes more scarce, we will see the ocean being used as a primary source of property. What we can do now is make sure it is being used for renewable, safe, and clean forms of energy.
The Turbines Are Spinning
According to EcoPowerHub,
“Between 2025 and 2035, offshore wind is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 14.6%, increasing market value from around USD 64 billion in 2025.”
This increase is 3 times faster than onshore projects!
As this technology increases, stay ahead with recent updates to learn more about progressions that could possibly be taken place in your area.
READ THIS ARTICLE ON HOW THEY ARE CREATING FLOATING WIND TURBINES
Add comment
Comments