Rising Blue Energy - Offshore Wind Turbines

Murat ÖZ
4 min readAug 5, 2023

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Offshore wind turbines are installed in oceans or seas. They generate electrical energy by converting mechanical energy. Compared to onshore turbines, offshore wind turbines are more effective as they can operate 24/7, and they can be built larger due to the availability of space over the water. This allows for faster returns on investment as they can generate more electricity. However, offshore wind turbines are also more costly due to the challenges associated with installation, maintenance, inspections, and more.

The first offshore wind turbine was installed in Denmark in 1991. It was installed to test the potential of wind energy and technology. The offshore wind turbine project aimed to understand the installation, operation, technical aspects, and engineering considerations related to the sea or ocean.

The turbine was positioned at a distance of 10 km from the shore and at a water depth of 10 meters. A total of 11 offshore wind turbines were installed there, each with a capacity of 450 kW. The first offshore wind turbine farm generated nearly 5 MW of electrical energy.

This project provided valuable insights into wind energy, durability, and various engineering aspects specific to offshore conditions. Today, offshore wind turbine projects play a crucial role in generating electrical energy. Furthermore, offshore wind turbine technologies continue to improve with each iteration, providing enhanced effectiveness, reliability, sustainability, and more.

Until today, numerous improvements have been made in offshore wind turbine technology. Let’s delve into these advancements:

Firstly, enhancing the reliability of offshore wind turbines has been a paramount concern. Offshore turbines are subject to greater exposure to salt and humidity compared to their onshore counterparts. Consequently, the surfaces of offshore wind turbines are engineered to withstand corrosion and environmental effects more effectively.

Additionally, the decision to install offshore turbines farther from the shore and in larger sizes than before raises questions. One of the most critical challenges pertains to the installation process in deeper waters. Scientists have devised solutions for the installation of offshore turbines in these deeper sea conditions.

Selecting the right type of offshore wind turbine for each project depends on the characteristics of the sea and the stability of the offshore area. This careful process involves conducting comprehensive feasibility studies and details testing. After collecting and analyzing all the relevant data, experts make an informed decision about the most suitable and effective type of offshore wind turbine, considering the environmental conditions and specific requirements of the site.

Approximately, the cost distribution of offshore wind turbines varies across each operational phase.

Offshore wind turbines are indeed expensive; however, their efficiency has significantly improved, leading many countries to embrace offshore wind energy projects. Presently, offshore wind turbine projects typically have a minimum capacity of 50 MW due to the associated costs. The expenses are also influenced by factors such as distance from the shore and water depth.

China produced biggest offshore wind turbine.it is The MySE 16.0–242. İt is 242 meters long, its blades are 118 meters long and it produces 16 MW also the offshore wind turbine has a 46.000 square-meter swept area.

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Nowadays, numerous countries are keen on opening their coastal areas to offshore wind turbines due to their high efficiency and sustainability. As an illustration, a recent publication from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources highlights this trend

Locations :

· Karabiga

· Bozcaada

· Bandırma

· Gelibolu

A feasibility study for offshore wind turbines in Turkey will commence in the near future, marking the country’s first offshore wind farm project. Currently, over 30 countries worldwide have embraced offshore wind turbines, a crucial step towards a greener tomorrow.

Thanks for taking the time to read…

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