Market Research
The bright future of the off-shore wind industry in Northern Europe
Content
Solar plants and on-shore wind farms – these are currently the renewable energy sources in Europe with the biggest share in the renewable energy market. Now it is time for off-shore wind industry to take a lead in a growth. When it comes to solar energy harvesting, this is mostly utilized in the Southern Europe. Production of solar energy is focused around noon, where there are peak sunlight hours – especially during summer.
When it comes to on-shore wind energy harvesting, this is currently the cheapest energy source out of all renewables and at the same time – utilized the most. With more than 150 GW of on-shore wind energy installed, there is not much place left for further investments. Off-shore wind energy, on the other hand, is not affected by space restrictions. With the wind blowing also during dark and cold months, it is more efficient than solar energy in the Northern Europe. And with the wind blowing stronger and more constantly at the sea, it is more efficient than on-shore wind energy also. Ørsted, the global leader in off-shore wind energy production, released a report about capacity and economic viability of North Seas (that is: Baltic Sea, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean around France, Ireland and UK) considering off-shore wind energy production.
The main conclusion of this report is that the North Seas could supply around 80% of Europe’s energy demand by 2030 at a maximum cost of EUR 65 per MW. This is 607 GW installed in total. Speaking specifically about Baltic Sea, one seventh of total forecasted wind power (around 87 GW) could be produced there. Economically viable areas are located near the coastline of Germany, Poland and Lithuania, as well as at the entrance to Gulf of Bothnia. In summary, there is a large potential in the Baltic Sea and other North Seas that still remains untapped. Once utilized, it can make a great deal for Europe’s energy independence, CO2 emission reduction and economic growth of coastal regions of Northern Europe.
To learn more about possibilities upfront and what it takes to reach the goal, read the full report: orsted.com/en/About-us/About-orsted/Green-is-cheaper-than-black/North-seas