Isabella Sollazzo
The Industrial Revolution created an energy dependence previously unknown to humankind. Our society grew reliant on oil and gas through numerous inventions including cars, refrigeration units, air conditioning, and indoor lighting. What were once luxuries are now commonplace in nearly every American home. As our population expanded and innovative technologies continued to emerge, our dependence on energy has continued to grow. But now, there is a growing market for sustainable, renewable energy. Solar panels and onshore wind farms are the most common examples, but recent developments in offshore wind have helped expand production and make renewable energy increasingly affordable. The 2023 Global Offshore Wind Report details significant progress in offshore wind adoption and predicts that a substantial portion of the global energy supply could be produced from offshore wind by 2032. Currently, China has the largest market for offshore wind, followed by Denmark, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.Â
Offshore wind differs from onshore wind in a few key ways. First, offshore wind farms can occupy much larger areas, meaning wind turbines can be significantly larger and capture more energy. On average, an offshore wind turbine is 60-70% larger than its onshore counterpart and can capture up to twice as much energy annually. Second, coastlines experience more consistent wind flows than most land-based locations due to the regularity of tides. This consistency makes offshore wind a more reliable energy source. Finally, offshore wind farms have been shown to improve marine life and biodiversity by acting as artificial reefs. For example, the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island has seen an increase in marine species like black sea bass and mussels, which have colonized the turbine foundations.
The benefits of offshore wind production are numerous. Not only is offshore wind a sustainable way to produce energy on a large scale, but wind farms also require very little human intervention once operational—a key difference from oil extraction. Whether on land or in the ocean, drilling for oil requires substantial manpower and is often dangerous. Offshore wind farms, on the other hand, still require significant labor investment upfront, from manufacturing parts to shipping and installation, but they can operate with minimal human support for up to 50 years. Additionally, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as grid-scale batteries and hydrogen production, are addressing the intermittency of wind energy, making it a more reliable component of the energy mix. Finally, if leading economies invest in offshore wind production, international aid agencies can better support emerging economies in leapfrogging oil and gas dependence, thereby reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Like any emerging technology, offshore wind has its drawbacks. First, offshore wind farms are relatively new and will need ongoing monitoring and optimization to ensure peak performance. Additionally, the production of materials is currently concentrated in a small number of factories worldwide, leading to longer project timelines, limited margins for error, and exposure to taxes and tariffs. For instance, critical components like turbine blades and nacelles are primarily manufactured in Europe and Asia, creating logistical challenges for countries like the U.S. that rely on imports. This concentration of production also raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the need for diversification.
Community reactions to offshore wind developments have differed. Coastal communities, particularly those connected to Maine’s fisheries, have raised concerns about the impact of offshore wind farms on fishing policies, coastal health, and fish and crustacean populations. While some disputes have been resolved through negotiation and adaptive management, ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is essential to balance renewable energy goals with the needs of local communities. The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of Sussex, England, serves as a notable example of a project that gathered community support as part of the initial project plan. Throughout its development, the project team engaged in targeted sponsorships and partnerships to support local organizations and events, aiming to meet community expectations and raise awareness about the wind farm's various phases. This proactive approach not only fostered goodwill but also ensured that the development was in harmony with local interests.Â
Despite these challenges, the potential of offshore wind is undeniable. While offshore wind energy production does not yet match the output of oil and gas, increased investment and technological advancements could quickly close this gap. The U.S. and global community stand to benefit significantly from increased investment in offshore wind. By embracing offshore wind, countries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs, and position themselves as leaders in the global energy transition. The time to act is now—before we fall further behind in the race toward a sustainable future.
Citations
U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2021). Offshore Wind Energy: Planned Projects and Federal Efforts to Address Regulatory and Technical Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-153.
The Climate Reality Project. (n.d.). Renewable Energy Leapfrogging: A Better Way Forward. Retrieved from https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/renewable-energy-leapfrogging-better-way-forward#:~:text=Emerging%20economies%20are%20increasingly%20meeting%20their%20energy,affordable%20and%20reliable%20as%20it%20is%20clean.&text=With%20the%20price%20of%20renewables%20plummeting%20around,wind%20and%20solar%2C%20has%20never%20been%20greater.
University of Rhode Island. (2024, October 9). How Does Offshore Wind Impact Marine Life? Three URI Experts Discuss. Retrieved from https://www.uri.edu/news/2024/10/how-does-offshore-wind-impact-marine-life-three-uri-experts-discuss-oct-9/.
NOAA Ocean Exploration. (2019). Offshore Wind Energy and Its Impact on the Ocean. Retrieved from https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/19express/background/wind/wind.html#:~:text=Offshore%20wind%20facility%20design%20and,increase%20the%20production%20of%20electricity.
Trading Economics. (n.d.). Access to Electricity (% of Population) – United States. Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/access-to-electricity-percent-of-population-wb-data.html#:~:text=Access%20to%20electricity%20(%25%20of%20population)%20in%20United%20States%20was,compiled%20from%20officially%20recognized%20sources.