Offshore Wind Farms
Wind farms in the sea benefit from stronger winds and are not easily seen from land
if far enough offshore. Most offshore turbines are fixed to the seabed at depths up to
80m. In deeper waters floating turbines are possible.
Climate change
CO2e per kWh
Impact on nature
Risks
11 grams
(for electricity)
CO2 emissions only arise in making, installing and maintaining the
equipment.
Very low
Sea-bed disturbance during installation (less if floating designs used).
Vibrations may affect some marine mammals. Foundations can create
habitat for sea creatures. Careful siting minimises bird disturbance.
Low
The main risks are to workers making and installing turbines in a harsh
environment.
Visual impact
Very low
Most offshore wind farms are barely visible from the coast.
Cost now
Moderate
Costs high now as technology still developing in a challenging
environment.
Cost 20 years
Low
Costs likely to come down as technology develops.
The UK resource
Excellent
Usually windy somewhere in the UK, windiest place in Europe. The
wind is even stronger over UK waters.
Reliability/
flexibility
Moderate
Offshore winds can be reliably predicted over a few days, usually
windy somewhere round UK. Variations in supply can be balanced by
other electricity sources.