Offshore wind is a technology that harnesses the energy of the wind over the open sea, where the wind is more powerful and consistent, to generate electricity. It’s an efficient source of energy that offers numerous benefits and powerful solution to the increasing U.S. energy demand. It is already contributing to job growth across a variety of sectors, revitalizing dormant domestic industries, and carving a path towards greater U.S. energy independence. Together with other energy sources, it can play a crucial part in an all of the above energy approach.
How it Works
Offshore wind projects consist of multiple wind turbines — some more than 400 feet in height, with blades the length of a football field — that are anchored to the seabed. On average, offshore wind turbines are around 100 feet taller than onshore wind turbines, equipped with larger blades to capture more of the wind moving across the ocean. These turbines capture the energy of the wind and convert it into electricity through rotating blades connected to a generator. This electricity is then transmitted to shore and integrated into the power grid that powers homes, businesses, and communities.
When these blades are pushed by ocean winds, the shaft they are connected to spins, converting the wind energy into mechanical energy. Next, the shaft’s spin is amplified by a gear box, which maximizes the speed at which it can rotate. To convert the mechanical energy into electricity, the rotating shaft turns a rotor inside the turbine’s generator, causing magnets to rotate within a coil of wire. As the magnets move, they generate electricity in the wires, which can then be transferred to offshore substation via cables. The entire generation process occurs within the nacelle, the compartment behind the turbine’s blades. Before the electricity makes it into the grid, the offshore substation is its final stop, where it is then directed into homes, businesses, and communities.
Development of Floating Offshore Wind
On America’s West Coast, where the ocean floor is too deep to give the turbine a rigid base, new technology is paving the way for the development and installation of floating turbines. In waters deeper than around 200 feet, the use of floating technology is required.
These floating turbines have a greater energy efficiency than traditional turbines, able to harness even more of the strong winds blowing across the ocean.
While the U.S. is somewhat behind other nations when it comes to fixed-bottom offshore wind development, floating offshore wind technology is still in its infancy. The U.S. has a chance to become a global leader in its development worldwide, with projects like the Maine Research Array giving the industry critical knowledge that will contribute to projects for years to come.
Benefit to American Homes and Businesses
Offshore wind energy brings with it the prospect of an American industrial revitalization. The industry has already garnered over $25 billion in investment across its 40-state supply chain, breathing new life into industries like shipbuilding and steel production, and that number is only set to increase. It’s critical that the industry continues to advance so America can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.