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article · IEEE Access

Winds of Progress: An In-Depth Exploration of Offshore, Floating, and Onshore Wind Turbines as Cornerstones for Sustainable Energy Generation and Environmental Stewardship

202452 citationsOpen accessUniversity of Kairouan

In plain language

Wind energy systems play a central role in sustainable power generation. This review provides a detailed examination of onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind turbines, outlining their specific characteristics, benefits, and constraints. For onshore installations, key factors include turbine dimensions, installation methods, wind dynamics, site accessibility, and visual impact. Offshore assessments address location selection, complex installation requirements, varying sizes, wind conditions, and visual and environmental effects. In addition, the work explores emerging floating offshore wind technologies, detailing their distinct features and technical developments. A comparative evaluation weighs the economic, social, and environmental dimensions across all three turbine categories. Finally, the review discusses policy requirements, identifies outstanding research gaps, and considers future opportunities to support the effective integration and development of diverse wind energy platforms.

Key takeaways

  • Onshore wind systems involve distinct considerations around turbine size, installation methods, visual impacts, and site accessibility.
  • Offshore wind developments require careful management of complex installation processes, site selection, wind conditions, and environmental effects.
  • Floating offshore wind turbines represent an emerging technological category offering unique operational features and design advances.
  • A comparative assessment of the three turbine types highlights their differing economic, social, and environmental implications.
  • Strategic policy considerations and targeted research are needed to address remaining gaps and integrate diverse wind energy systems.

Why it matters

Transitioning to cleaner energy requires understanding the trade-offs between different power generation options. By examining the operational complexities, environmental consequences, and economic factors of onshore, fixed offshore, and floating wind installations, this work clarifies which systems are best suited to specific environments. These insights help planners, policymakers, and communities make balanced, informed choices when deploying renewable infrastructure.

Commercialisation angle

This review can guide energy project developers, utility planners, and policymakers evaluating renewable energy deployments across land and marine environments. Because the work is a comparative review rather than an experimental trial, it acts as high-level decision support rather than a direct commercial product. It aids stakeholders in weighing installation complexities, costs, and environmental impacts before committing capital to onshore, fixed offshore, or emerging floating wind projects.

AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.

Abstract

This research paper conducts an extensive exploration of onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind turbines, pivotal components in the landscape of sustainable energy generation. The study thoroughly investigates various wind energy systems, shedding light on their distinct attributes, advantages, and limitations. The examination of onshore wind turbines encompasses aspects such as installation procedures, size considerations, wind dynamics, accessibility challenges, and visual impact assessments. Similarly, the analysis of offshore wind turbines covers considerations such as location selection, installation complexities, size variations, wind conditions, environmental impacts, and visual aesthetics. The paper also delves into the emerging technology of floating offshore wind turbines, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and technological advancements. A thorough comparative examination is conducted to assess the economic, environmental, and social aspects of onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind turbines. The research paper concludes by offering insights into policy considerations, addressing research gaps, and outlining prospects for the seamless integration and advancement of these diverse wind energy systems. This comprehensive review aspires to contribute to the existing knowledge base in sustainable energy generation, fostering informed decision-making for a greener and more sustainable future.

Research topics

  • Wind Energy Research and Development
  • Marine and Offshore Engineering Studies

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DOI: 10.1109/access.2024.3397243

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