The largest offshore farm has just 87 turbines producing an incredible 660 megawatts of power! If you were to place 1,000 offshore turbines, they would generate more electricity than the 7,000 onshore ones. Depending on perspective, these wind farms are generally considered to be less obtrusive than their onshore counterparts, though this writer isn't convinced of this particular argument. The drawback of such a solution is that construction is more difficult, costly and strenuous, and the costs of the turbines themselves are considerably more expensive due to size and durability requirements. (Note: The energy potential of any turbine - measured by its MW capacity - can be loosely correlated to its size.) Offshore wind farms tend to engage larger turbines to account for greater wind, though this isn't always true. Though this technology uses turbines, those blades are located under water and leverage the tide.Ĭompared to onshore renewable energy solutions, offshore wind farms tend to have greater potential capacity for energy production due to more powerful and predictable wind patterns. Offshore wind generation shouldn't be confused with offshore hydroelectric power production. The minimum threshold to efficiently harvest wind power is an annual average of 4MPH for smaller turbines and 13MPH for larger ones.Ĭurrently, the largest onshore wind farm is located in China and is able to produce more than 8 gigawatts of electric energy from its 7,000 wind turbines! This is true for onshore or offshore projects, but variability is always possible. Prior to constructing a wind farm, energy developers will engage in detailed, multi-year studies to understand the wind potential in any given area. However, onshore wind is usually a bit more unpredictable as well, which lessens the efficiency, energy potential and corresponding profit for energy developers. This type of energy generation is generally cheaper, easier to construct and transport, and simpler to maintain than its offshore counterparts. Onshore generation pertains to using these turbines on land. There are two main types of renewable energy that are related to wind power - Onshore and Offshore wind turbine farms. Combined with Earth's rotation, the discrepancy in temperature causes the flow of air in an effort to reach an equilibrium - thus, wind. The sun heats Earth's surface at varying degrees due to the unevenness of its surface. Fun fact: Most people don't know that wind energy is actually a form of solar energy. This article will dissect the purpose of wind turbines, the carbon footprint of wind turbines, and what kind of environmental benefits they provide. ![]() Once constructed, the resources required to maintain power production are minimal compared to traditional energy generation methods such as coal-fired power plants. To be a viable source of sufficient power to our growing population, many wind turbines need to be placed in viable areas. Wind power does not rely on any finite natural resources (just wind!) and incorporates technology that has been utilized for centuries. Wind turbines play a very important role in the renewable energy mix. This includes wind farms, solar panels for electricity generation, and even nuclear power (though nuclear power is controversial given all of the potential negative outcomes as well - we'll dive into all things nuclear power in a different article). In an effort to lower carbon emissions, both corporations and the general populace are looking to utilize more green energy sources. The impacts of global warming are becoming more and more serious and many believe that we must act swiftly and efficiently in order to slow down and counteract its effects. ![]() Renewable energy is slowly becoming normalized around the world due to decreasing costs of the technology, the equitable nature of sun and wind-powered energy, and global pressures related to climate change.
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