Towards of Offshore Wind Energy in Egypt: Technical, Structural, and Economic Perspectives

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of offshore wind energy development in Egypt, a country strategically located between the Mediterranean and Red Seas but currently lacking offshore wind infrastructure. The research begins with a comparative analysis of offshore and onshore wind turbine technologies, focusing on turbine mechanics, stress analysis, and structural integrity under complex environmental loads from wind, waves, and operational forces.The blade’s aerodynamic performance is evaluated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in Ansys. In addition, the structural behavior of conical and cylindrical offshore wind turbine towers is assessed through combined CFD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) case studies. The results demonstrate the superior performance of conical towers, particularly in extreme loading scenarios. An offshore wind farm-layout optimization is conducted to maximize energy output and minimize the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). The study concludes with design recommendations for turbine blades and towers optimized for Egypt’s offshore environment, emphasizing the need for advanced materials and construction techniques to enhance structural resilience and support Egypt’s transition toward renewable energy solutions.