The global energy demand is continuously increasing and is projected to only increase further in the coming years. This is leading to major concerns about being able to meet such demands in the present scenario of depleting resources. The solution could be offshore wind energy.
Offshore wind energy is the production of energy by the use of wind farms constructed in bodies of water, usually in the ocean on the continental shelf. Offshore wind speeds tend to be faster and steadier than on land, which means a more reliable source of energy. Andrew Myers, an assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering who studies offshore wind structures and runs Northeastern University’s Sustainable Structures Group, talks about the environmental effects of wind energy and his work to improve the design of hurricane-resistant offshore wind turbines.
He says, “Transitioning from an energy economy based on traditional, carbon-based energy sources—coal, oil, and natural gas—to one based on renewable sources—in particular, wind and solar—can cure many global problems, such as decreasing reserves of fossil fuels, air and water pollution, and climate change”
Offshore wind energy is a vast, largely untapped resource of renewable energy with enormous potential. These wind farms provide renewable energy, they do not consume water, provide a domestic energy source, and they do not emit environmental pollutants or greenhouse gases. For places close to the shores it also bypasses the burdens of long-distance energy transmission.
Although there are always objections from people such as noise, altering of coastal views, etc., these issues – when compared to issues such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and alarming levels of pollution – don’t seem to be that bad. Myers adds that they are developing better engineering solutions and designs to enable these farms to withstand severe hurricanes, high winds, and huge waves.
Anisha Naidu