The world’s installed offshore wind-power capacity is expected to rise dramatically to 70.1 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2017, up from 4.1 GW in 2011, according to a study by Pike Research.
Europe currently leads the industry, having been developing offshore wind for a decade. The UK has the largest installed capacity, with Germany closely following. China is expected to pull even with them by 2017. The US trails, having just recently approved its first offshore wind farm, Cape Wind, off the coast of Massachusetts.
Offshore wind costs triple the price of land-based wind, but some of the world’s best wind resources are located offshore. Areas with the greatest potential are often in shallow ocean waters relatively close to urban population centers. Interest in freshwater offshore wind is also picking up, especially in the Great Lakes.
Also, many of the best land-based wind resource sites have already been developed. Remaining sites cost more to develop because of less desirable wind resources and long distance transmission costs.
Key factors shaping offshore wind markets over the coming years include: a move toward even larger wind turbines; innovative technologies that reduce operations and maintenance costs; a focus on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines; and the need to secure new sources of financing.
Offshore Zone Limited in Massachusetts
Because of concerns expressed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, fishing groups and several of the state’s congressional delegation, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) eliminated over 50% of the offshore area of Massachusetts that will be open to wind energy leasing.
Governor Patrick requested that about 50% of the proposed wind leasing area be removed, leaving about 1,300 square miles still available.
He cited concerns by several fishing groups about the impact of wind farms on fishing grounds, shipping lanes and humpback and northern right whales. Massachusetts Democratic Representatives Ed Markey, John Tierney and Barney Frank supported his request.
BOEM will finalize the offshore leasing area after meeting with the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force, the identification of a "Smart from the Start Wind Energy Area" and the development of a call for information and nominations.
The Interior Department had previously projected about 4000 MW of offshore wind for the area, enough to power about 1.7 million households. 11 companies have expressed interest in developing wind plants there.
The revision will not affect Cape Wind, which was approved under a separate permitting process.
Maine Recommends Increasing Distance from Turbines
One of the problems for land-based wind is the noise, low-frequency sound pressure and vibrations that people who live near wind farms experience. These impacts are the subject of ongoing scientific and policy debate around the world.
A new report released in Maine recommends the minimum distance between homes and commercial wind turbines should be doubled – to 1000 feet. Wind turbine opponents say that’s still too close to huge 300-foot towers.
Maine’s former Energy Director, John Kerry had requested a study on the issue, which was conducted last year.
The report examines wind noise regulations and research in Maine, and in other states and countries. It also recommends giving residents a chance to learn more about the details of projects before they are built.
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Here’s information on the Pike Research report:
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