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Coastal and Offshore Wind Energy Generation: Is It Environmentally Benign?

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer C. Wilson

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
    Amec, Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8QZ, UK)

  • Mike Elliott

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Nick D. Cutts

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Lucas Mander

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Vera Mendão

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
    Projecto Delfim, Centro Português de Estudo dos Mamíferos Marinhos, Rua Alto do Duque, 45, 1400-009 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Rafael Perez-Dominguez

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Anna Phelps

    (Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK)

Abstract

Offshore and coastal wind power is one of the fastest growing industries in many areas, especially those with shallow coastal regions due to the preferable generation conditions available in the regions. As with any expanding industry, there are concerns regarding the potential environmental effects which may be caused by the installation of the offshore wind turbines and their associated infrastructure, including substations and subsea cables. These include the potential impacts on the biological, physical and human environments. This review discusses in detail the potential impacts arising from offshore wind farm construction, and how these may be quantified and addressed through the use of conceptual models. It concludes that while not environmentally benign, the environmental impacts are minor and can be mitigated through good siting practices. In addition, it suggests that there are opportunities for environmental benefits through habitat creation and conservation protection areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer C. Wilson & Mike Elliott & Nick D. Cutts & Lucas Mander & Vera Mendão & Rafael Perez-Dominguez & Anna Phelps, 2010. "Coastal and Offshore Wind Energy Generation: Is It Environmentally Benign?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 3(7), pages 1-40, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:3:y:2010:i:7:p:1383-1422:d:9026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. C, O. Mauricio Hernandez & Shadman, Milad & Amiri, Mojtaba Maali & Silva, Corbiniano & Estefen, Segen F. & La Rovere, Emilio, 2021. "Environmental impacts of offshore wind installation, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning activities: A case study of Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    4. Vaissière, Anne-Charlotte & Levrel, Harold & Pioch, Sylvain & Carlier, Antoine, 2014. "Biodiversity offsets for offshore wind farm projects: The current situation in Europe," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 172-183.
    5. Diego Fernando Bernal-Camacho & Jassiel V. H. Fontes & Edgar Mendoza, 2022. "A Technical Assessment of Offshore Wind Energy in Mexico: A Case Study in Tehuantepec Gulf," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-28, June.
    6. Hooper, Tara & Ashley, Matthew & Austen, Melanie, 2015. "Perceptions of fishers and developers on the co-location of offshore wind farms and decapod fisheries in the UK," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 16-22.
    7. Ziemba, Paweł, 2022. "Uncertain Multi-Criteria analysis of offshore wind farms projects investments – Case study of the Polish Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
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