October
2009
Offshore Wind Farms
Offshore wind farms are becoming an increasingly popular idea, right across the world. This is down number of factors that all contribute to the argument of constructing wind turbines out at sea.
Until the idea of placing turbines out at sea came along, the placement of wind turbines was usually decided upon by a locations average annual wind speed. The disadvantage of this method of deciding where to construct turbines, rests upon the fact that where there is a high wind speed on land, there could very well be houses or businesses nearby.
Most people agree that wind turbines are a very sustainable and cost effective method of generate renewable energy, yet a large amount of people who think that, wouldn’t take too kindly to a large wind turbine or wind farm been placed within half a mile of their home.
Wind turbines are described to sound like jet engines, and when you get close to one, you can really make out this comparison. This is a huge problem when developers request planning permission, and usually village and/or town meetings will be held, followed by petitions of large numbers against the development.
So, wind turbines placed out at sea currently seem like a very good option, as the wind is quite constant, of a significant energy, and no-one is around to hear the output of noise. The main problem associated with this development method is the dangers and technological skill needed to construct large turbines in the seas.
Many more countries are turning to the idea of building wind turbines out to sea, in a bid to generate more natural energy. This idea is especially welcomed by smaller countries who want to save land space while still allowing power industries to develop.
Offshore wind farms are set to play a very significant part in the future of our society, along with other renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, and especially geothermal energy. If you want to do something good for your environment, why not go small scale, and just implement one of the technologies to give a boost to your home electricity supply.
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/wind_turbines.html
James Bratley
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/offshore-wind-farms-110609.html
What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Offshore and Offshore Wind farms?
I need to know the social benefits and problems, Economic benefits and problems, and Environmental benefits and problems with offshore and onshore wind farms. Thanks
Social-
Pro- It can help with the energy crisis and can help ease our dependency on foreign oil.
Con- Onshore wind farms can be an eyesore from time to time.
Economic-
Pro- Adds a new industry for entrepreneurs to go into. Offshore wind farms are more effective, because the wind is less obstructed out on the ocean. Also if an entrepreneur made a good design, we could actually use the same technique a windmill does to the wind and use it on a current.
Con- Would cause the oil industry to decrease, laid off jobs, disgruntled workers, etc. However, if the oil companies transitioned over to wind farms in a decent manner, then there wouldn’t a problem. The one thing to be worried about is having OPEC and groups like them catching a hint that we are about to not need them. If they knew that, then they would cut off the oil for a week or two, while we are still dependent on oil.
Environmental-
Pro- Totally clean, employs the power produced by wind, a constant resource, and in the ocean, creates a stop for particles and coral to catch and form a new ecosystem.
Con- No real con for environmental.
Hope this helps.
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