The technical potential of offshore wind power is estimated at 71 TW (World Bank, 2021), of which 70% is in deep water suitable for offshore wind turbines. The floating wind market is potentially 8 times larger than the fixed offshore wind market. However, at present, the use of ocean resources is associated with high costs, the need for subsidies and environmental problems.
Technology advantages:
- the oceans are an untapped resource: 71% of the Earth is covered by oceans;
- more powerful wind: much more energy is available at sea than on land, when the wind speed doubles, the energy increases eight times; the sea wind is stronger and more reliable; studies show that offshore wind provides 30% more energy than land wind because ocean winds are 5-10% stronger;
- locally produced energy: offshore wind power allows electricity to be generated close to urban areas (often close to the coast); locally produced energy means reduced transport losses and reduced infrastructure costs;
- big market potential: offshore wind has a big market potential - energy experts estimate that between 7% and 11% of electricity in Europe will be generated by offshore wind by 2030, with a projected total production of 24.6 GW in 2020 and 86 GW in 2030