Offshore wind energy or offshore wind power is the application of wind turbines sited on the seafloor, in bodies of water far from land. Higher wind speeds occur offshore than on land, and thus the power generation of offshore wind farms is generally higher per unit of installed capacity, and often less resistance is experienced. Offshore wind farms are typically located near coastlines, like in Europe, as the winds can be used for offshore farming. However, offshore wind energy has a large potential in other areas as well. Offshore wind energy is also increasingly gaining ground in the U.S. due to the high cost of traditional methods, such as fossil fuels and nuclear plants.
In general, offshore wind energy is a great idea since the cost to install offshore wind energy facilities is much lower than onshore counterparts. The initial costs involved with setting up offshore wind energy facilities are much lower as the equipment is not located onshore. Also, tax incentives and various government programs have made the investment more appealing for both companies and individuals. The success of offshore wind farms is based in part on the fact that most offshore wind energy systems do not require surface air conditioning since the air can remain dry for days, where surface cooling can slow down or stop functioning.
There are many benefits to offshore wind energy, including its ability to avoid the harmful effects of global warming. For instance, in September 2021, a pioneer in the electricity distribution of the U.S., General Electric, announced to development of the largest 3D Printer in the world for offshore wind energy generation. Global Warming is one of the major issues in the U.S., and the offshore wind energy industry hopes to influence people to consider alternative forms of energy. It can also be used to generate electricity, provide for ocean tourism, increase seaport benefits, and is considered a clean and renewable form of energy. Offshore wind energy is a good choice for those who are concerned about the environment and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Wind power has become a popular option for those who wish to help the environment and are interested in building offshore wind energy projects.