The Growing Popularity of Floating Wind Turbine
Hundreds to thousands of wind turbine are present on the wind farm. The number varies according to the size of the wind farms. These farms are usually situated on the land. As the name suggests, Floating Wind Turbines will be the first type of modern technology (history of wind turbines) that will float on the water, rather than standing still on the land. Isn’t that interesting?
The sector for wind energy was revolutionized by the shift to offshore wind energy investments. Offshore wind resources are so plentiful that they are essentially limitless. Due to the fewer obstructions on the high seas than on land, wind speeds on high seas are greater and more steady, allowing offshore wind farms to generate double electricity compared to onshore wind farm installations.
Additionally, the diminished visual and aural consequences allow for the expansion of agriculture plots. Offshore wind farms are situated in shallow waters, up to 60 meters deep, far from the shoreline, major shipping lanes, naval bases, and ecologically significant areas.
The Rise of Floating Wind Turbine
International Energy Agency (IEA) mentioned in its Offshore Wind Outlook report that the growth of wind energy has persuaded the development of floating wind turbines which will be located at the sea and will produce more electricity. This technology surge is to be seen in countries like Europe, US, and Japan.
In fact, IEA said that Europe is a leader in offshore wind technology followed by China, which is making drastic improvements and developments in expanding its supply of offshore wind energy.
Floating offshore wind (FOW) is a newly increasing technology with enormous potential to drive the energy transition. With this form of the energy transition, we can have low carbon emission and solve many of the environmental issues we face today. Offshore wind farms previously supported the turbines using fixed structures. They made deep-water installations economically prohibitive, fixed foundation structures are built into a support structure on the seabed up to 60 meters below the surface.
Off the coast of Portugal, the biggest floating wind turbine in the world will soon be operational. It is the first of three at the Hywind project off the coast of Scotland, the second floating wind farm in the world. It is anticipated that the wind farm will produce enough electricity to run 60,000 houses. The project makes use of Wind Float technology, which makes it possible to put platforms in deep water where substantial wind resources can be used but were previously unreachable.
Hywind Scotland – a partnership company between Equinor and Masdar is going to create a floating wind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would generate electricity for more than 20,000 homes. Even being one of the largest oil producing countries and with the effects of rising oil prices, the UAE is efficiently investing in wind energy. The country is also investing in the power and energy industry within the fields of hydraulic turbine, solar energy panels, electric vehicles (EVs), gravity batteries, abrasive blasting, mechanical seals, power systems engineering, and many more. The country has achieved energy efficiency in UAE, smart building in UAE, and made Dubai: a sustainable and smart city to live in.
With the development of floating structures, wind turbines can now be placed using flexible anchors, chains, or steel cables at challenging seabed locations. Large offshore locations where conventional permanent structures would be impractical can now make use of the enormous potential of the wind thanks to floating platforms. These methods make it possible to access offshore places with higher wind speeds.
However, only 80 MW of total installed capacity is available for floating wind turbines in the year 2021, making it still a relatively young technology. Despite its infancy, experts at RSE FZE believe that if it can get over its early obstacles, it will play a significant role in the mix of renewable energy (wind and solar energy). We at RSE FZE is specialized in the forging industry. And there are many obstacles to overcome, like a challenging permission process, an underdeveloped supply chain, and high commodity prices, to name a few. These obstacles are preventing the development of offshore wind and compromising global energy security (cybersecurity).
More funding like global energy industry investments and more partnerships are two essential developments that must take place for offshore wind to reach its full potential. Despite the capacity increases in 2020 set new records, the sector still requires a step-change. To accomplish climate targets and lessen the effects of the climate emergency, investments must at least triple over the next ten years. Building approval and support for the wind economy also require strong community support and activism.
RELATED POSTS
Open Die Forgings vs Closed Die Forgings: Which is Better?
6 Types of Forging Methods: Your Best Guide to Forging Processes
Environmental Management Solutions