The huge scale of offshore wind farms being built in northern Europe is bringing a new understanding of how much electricity can be gleaned from the wind on land and at sea
THE PLAN
Locate a giant expandable wind farm around the Danish island of Bornholm to send electricity to mainland Denmark and neighbouring countries. On windy days, divert some of the electricity for production of hydrogen to meet demand for green energy for commercial transportation of goods and people by land, sea and air
ADVANTAGES
The project can be built in stages and has the potential capacity and flexibility to meet more than grid demand; wind potential is good around Bornholm and the island is relatively close to populated areas that need large volumes of clean energy
UNKNOWNS
Assessments of the vision’s economic viability and environmental impact have yet to be undertaken and large-scale demand for hydrogen has yet to transpire
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Increasing pressure on offshore wind farm developers, record low electricity prices, coupled with the potential for higher margins than bottom-fixed foundations and the entry of oil and gas giants in the field, means the time is ripe for floating offshore wind, says Luis González-Pinto Barrenetxea, COO of Saitec Offshore
The offshore wind market has made massive progress as prices fall, farms get larger and technologies smarter and more efficient. All this is thanks to competent, skilled and creative people. As the demand for clean electricity grows, diverse workforces in terms of gender, background, discipline and culture will be a significant asset, says Jovana Filipovic, Senior Offshore Analyst at LM Wind Power