The Widespread Use of Offshore Wind Turbines for Low Carbon Power Generation

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We live in a world that is based on Technology, Industry and Commerce. In this fast paced world people have started to realise that we are using more than what we have and in the process destroying our beautiful planet. Methods of cost effective and environment friendly solutions for power are being sought, and one such solution is offshore wind turbines.

Offshore wind turbines are a cost effective way of harnessing a commonly available natural resource, the wind. Placing them offshore insures plenty of landmass availability and as research shows more powerful and frequent winds. In an article written by Ned Haluzan (2011) shows that wind blows 40% more often offshore than on land. Major countries around the world have stepped up and started using offshore wind turbines as an alternate eco friendly power source. Countries such as United Kingdom, Germany and United States are at the forefront. Alok Jha (2008) in his article has shown that in 2008 United Kingdom overtook Denmark and became the world’s largest producer of electricity using offshore wind turbines. For a country like United Kingdom it is very important to set an example for the other countries to follow in producing power in an environmentally responsible way, Since United Kingdom is surrounded by water it is geographically ideal for offshore wind turbine placement.

Even though being a very eco friendly method of generating power, offshore wind turbines has many limitations, mainly when it comes to the resource it uses to create power. Wind is a naturally occurring phenomenon. If there is no wind available we cannot generate wind to work on the turbines. If we need more power produced we cannot increase the amount of wind available and create more power. The unpredictable nature of wind at times can create huge problems. Another problem created by the offshore wind turbines is the production and installation costs are extremely high for off shore wind turbines. Building the turbine foundation underwater and making it strong for all rough sea conditions is very expensive. The seas do get rough and the foundation and the construction of the turbine must be able to withstand all these conditions. Poland Warsaw and Vidayadhar Peesapati (2010) says even though wind turbines are equipped with lighting protection the lightning ends up being received by the receptors and damaging the system, and these repairs alone are very costly and replacing parts in the middle of the ocean is no small task.

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