- Onshore Wind turbines utilize the kinetic energy of air movement to produce electricity. Onshore wind energy pertains to turbines situated on land.
- Whereas Offshore turbines are positioned in bodies of water, either in freshwater or out at sea.
- A fixed-foundation turbine is erected in shallow waters, whereas a floating wind turbine is deployed in deeper waters with its foundation secured to the seabed. Floating wind farms are still in an early developmental stage.
- Offshore wind farms are mandated to be situated at least 200 nautical miles away from the shoreline and submerged to a depth of 50 feet below the ocean’s surface.
- Electricity generated by offshore wind turbines is transmitted back to the shore through cables laid beneath the ocean floor.
ADVANTAGES OF OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
- Enhanced Capacity: Offshore wind turbines can be constructed larger and taller than onshore ones, resulting in increased energy production capacity.
- Minimal Intrusion: Being situated far out at sea, offshore wind farms are less intrusive to neighboring areas, allowing for the creation of larger farms per square mile.
- Higher Wind Speeds: The offshore environment typically experiences higher wind speeds and forces, enabling greater energy generation potential.
- Unrestricted Wind Flow: Absence of physical barriers like hills or buildings ensures uninterrupted wind flow, optimizing energy output.
DISADVANTAGES OF OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
- High Costs: The primary drawback of offshore wind farms is their high construction and maintenance costs. Additionally, their remote locations make them susceptible to damage from severe weather events, leading to expensive repairs.
- Environmental Impact: The impact of offshore wind farms on marine life and bird populations is not yet fully understood, posing potential risks to underwater ecosystems.
- Public Opposition: Offshore wind farms situated closer to coastlines may face opposition from local residents due to concerns about property devaluation and impacts on tourism.
ADVANTAGES OF ONSHORE WIND ENERGY
- Cost-Effectiveness: Onshore wind farms are relatively inexpensive to establish, allowing for the development of large-scale wind energy projects.
- Reduced Transmission Losses: The shorter distance between onshore wind turbines and consumers results in minimal voltage drop-off along transmission cables.
- Rapid Installation: Wind turbines can be swiftly installed on land, unlike other energy infrastructure projects such as nuclear power stations, which require significantly longer construction periods.
DISADVANTAGES OF ONSHORE WIND ENERGY
- Aesthetic Concerns: Many consider onshore wind farms to be visually unappealing, detracting from the natural landscape.
- Seasonal Energy Production: Onshore wind farms may experience intermittent energy production due to fluctuating wind speeds or physical obstructions such as buildings or terrain features.
- Noise Pollution: The operational noise generated by wind turbines can be comparable to that of a lawnmower, potentially causing disturbances and noise pollution in nearby communities.
Government initiatives related to wind energy:
Offshore Wind Energy Policy:
- Introduced in 2015, the national offshore wind energy policy aims to facilitate the development of offshore energy resources within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone along its 7,600 km coastline.
National Policy for Wind-Solar Hybrid Systems:
- Enacted to establish a regulatory framework for promoting large-scale grid-connected wind-solar hybrid systems, optimizing the utilization of both solar and land resources for efficient energy generation.
FAQs: Onshore vs. Offshore Wind Energy
1. What is the difference between onshore and offshore wind energy?
A: Onshore wind energy involves turbines located on land, while offshore wind energy utilizes turbines positioned in bodies of water, such as freshwater or the sea.
2. Why are offshore wind turbines typically larger than onshore turbines?
A: Offshore wind turbines can be constructed larger and taller than onshore ones, enabling increased energy production capacity due to the more favorable wind conditions at sea.
3. How does the location of offshore wind farms affect neighboring areas?
A: Offshore wind farms, being situated far out at sea, are less intrusive to neighboring areas compared to onshore wind farms, allowing for the creation of larger farms per square mile.
4. What are the advantages of offshore wind energy in terms of wind speed?
A: The offshore environment generally experiences higher wind speeds and forces, which translates to greater energy generation potential compared to onshore locations.
5. What are the primary drawbacks of offshore wind energy?
A: The main disadvantages include high construction and maintenance costs, potential environmental impact on marine life, and public opposition due to concerns about property devaluation and tourism impacts.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
