The Future of Offshore Wind Turbines around EU and the UK - Assignment Example

The Future of Offshore Wind Turbines around EU and the UK Across the world, countries are looking for different ways of meeting the core needs of thesociety. The only way this can be possible is by looking for alternative sources of energy so as to save the environment and ensure that future generations have something to hold on to. This can only be possible if countries look for different ways of creating renewable sources of energy from either solar system or the wind. These are sources cannot be depleted, making it easier to reduce the reliance on water, coal, and timber for energy. The use of wind turbines has become a new place for governments to venture into, and the benefits accrued from setting up these turbines is more than countries could bargain for, hence a need to develop them for the benefit of saving on the use of natural gases and coal. This will also assist in maintaining a clean environment with minimal GHG releases to the atmosphere. The UK will benefit from making the shift to offshore wind turbines and the economic, and environmental benefits will trickle to the citizens. Offshore Wind Turbines Countries understand that the best way of making the shift to renewable sources is by using what is available and capitalising on the gains made from such a move. The UK is on the list of the most number of operational projects, topping the list with twenty projects. These produce 2,117.6 megawatts with the country benefiting from this change (Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 749). Such a move shows that a country can make a wise choice so as to prevent the continued use of non-renewable sources that end up destroying the ozone layer. Ideally, countries look for the best they can achieve through the utility of the available resources, and the UK shows that countries can actually benefit from such a move (Schröder & Smith 2008: 156). Economic efficiency Analysts argue that the UK is the leading country in offshore wind turbine projects because of the policies and legislations in place (Demirbas 2009: S106). This shows that the political climate is accommodating and has allowed the country to continue this journey as it looks for different ways of dealing with its unique position that places it on the greatest advantage against other rival countries (Tillessen, 2010:170). This also shows that the politicians understand the government can save so much in this project and are willing to try it and reduce the cost of operation for companies within the country (Thomsen 2011: 297). This willing nature has also made the UK possess the largest capacity for the electricity generated from these turbines, making it one of the most appropriate means of attaining a growing supply chain capability (Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 750). When looking at the costs incurred when setting up the wind turbines, the upfront costs are only related to the purchase and initial installation of the turbines, electrical equipments, the foundation of the system, and the grid connection amongst other necessary aspects. However, the moment it starts function the costs will only be incurred during maintenance (Schröder & Smith 2008: 158). This is a better deal as the country can make better use of the 75% of the generated benefits, with the rest of the 25% being divided in maintenance and operational costs. The upfront 75% costs are lowered eventually, and that allows the citizens to make better use of their resources while benefiting from lowered electricity costs as well as better environments (Tillessen, 2010:170). This also cushions the users from the fuel price volatility that has made many countries increase their debts as they look for a better and cheaper way out. This allows the citizens to enjoy natural resources (Cartlidge 2011: 922). Some may argue that the best way of reducing the costs of installation is by using the onshore wind turbines rather than the offshore wind turbines (Tavner 2012: 209). This is true because the onshore wind turbines cost less when installing. The main differences in costs emerge in two main areas. The first one is the foundation, which is costlier when dealing with offshore wind turbines as opposed to the onshore wind turbines (Demirbas 2009: S110). The costs of the foundation alone cost close to 5-9% of the expenses. The second avenue is the construction of the transformer stations and sea transmission cables, which increase the costs due to the multiple connections made between the turbines and the transformers, add more costs (Jacobson & Delucchi 2009: 60). However, the offshore wind turbines will always be profitable because they generate more electricity in comparison to the onshore wind turbines due to the increased offshore wind speeds. This shows that it will compensate in other areas (Cartlidge 2011: 923). Policy Countries understand that they have to make better choices given that most EU countries are becoming dependent on fossil fuel imports (Demirbas 2009: S111). The problem with this is that they are prone to oil price spikes, which in turn affect the consumers the most. Most of the imports are from unstable Middle East countries (Jacobson & Delucchi 2009: 64). The production and importation is thus dependent on the ability to make the best choices while still gaining greater impetus to meet the core attributes of the society (Schröder & Smith 2008: 160). Ideally, people need to understand that the energy demand is here to stay, and the more accessible and affordable energy is, the better for the growth and development of the society. The government will also be responsible for any subsidies given to make these programs available for all individuals (Cartlidge 2011: 923). To avoid having a reliance level above 65% by 2030, it is important to make the right choices today (Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 752). The global supply of fossil fuel is reducing, and the depletion of the available sources of oil is making it difficult to rely on the available sources. This implies a change in tact to reduce oil imports and increase the use of renewable energy. The UK has made this stride by becoming the best in the EU region, setting the space for others (Demirbas 2009: S113; Tong 2010: 196). This great political statement will meet the needs of the country from different avenues, and provide them with better chances of reducing the costs incurred by an individual during the importation process. For instance, in the EU, each citizen pays close to €700 to meet the demands of the growing industrialization processes in the region (Jacobson & Delucchi 2011: 1154; Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 753). The UK needs to set the pace and make better changes to protect the environment. The politicians are responsible for the setting of requisite policies to see the country progress (Thomsen 2011: 304). Environmental Many do argue that setting up these turbines close to the marine will be a disastrous project. The main concern is that the noise will be too much for the marine species because of the increased boat activities in the areas well as an increase in the pile driving from the activities taking place. The turbines will also be hammering the ground and creating disturbances to the marine life (Schröder & Smith 2008: 162). The risk of death from collisions with birds and bats is imminent. This means that the process could be a risk to the flying animals, something environmentalists do not agree with. Habitat loss is another problem the development of this project faces, as marine life will have to shift to other areas to avoid the disturbance created. Alterations of the food species and their availability will also affect the marine life a lot. Merits of this project come from the financial and economic benefits accrued after its completion as well as the ability to conserve the environment (Demirbas 2009: S114). The important bit is that the country standards to benefit from the amount of electricity generated at the end of the day, with so much gained from making use of the available resources. The reduction in the use of the fuel and coal fuels will be a better way of meeting the essential attributes that reduce the costs of importing fuel, and the uncertainty that rests with this process. The unstable political nature will spike fuel prices, making it difficult to achieve the main goals of the organization as a whole. This will also assist in reducing carbon emissions by 20% by the year 2020 and increase energy efficacy during this period (Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 759). Improving usage of offshore wind turbines One of the important things is to protect the marine and wildlife in the country. This will involve providing better coloration to increase visibility for the turbine poles and reduce the chances of having birds and bats collide with them. This will also be visible for the boats using the area to avoid ramming into them. The other method is by setting the turbines at least 1000 to 2000 meters apart based on bird migration routes (Ellabban, Abu-Rub, & Blaabjerg 2014: 760). There is a possibility of using detachments of rotor and gondola that makes it easier to reduce the amount of noise emanating from these machines. This will cost much at the start, but precautionary measures are always essential. Using scoured materials will also be essential to prevent the electromagnetic fields from affecting the marine life. Burying the insulated cables during the winter will take advantage of the fact that the salmons and most marine species are at their lowest. This will make the project more viable and environmental conscious. Conclusion Dealing with the increasing costs of fuel importation and the increasing reliance on fossil fuels has made many countries choose the renewable sources. The costs of having offshore wind turbines are costly at the start, but the benefits are higher compared to the rest of the process. The main problem exists when these turbines begin to disturb marine. Several things can be done to minimise this, and the society will benefit eventually due to the gains made from such processes. Governments need to pursue these projects more compared to other carbon-related projects that do not preserve the environment. References Cartlidge, E. (2011) "Saving for a rainy day", Science, vol. 334, pp. 922–924. Demirbas, A. (2009) "Political, economic and environmental impacts of biofuels: A review", Applied Energy, vol. 86, pp. S108–S117. Ellabban, O., Abu-Rub, H. & Blaabjerg, F. (2014) "Renewable energy resources: Current status, future prospects and their enabling technology,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 39, pp. 748–764. Jacobson, M.Z. & Delucchi, M.A. (2009) "A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030", Scientific American, vol. 301 no. 5, pp. 58–65. Jacobson, M.Z. & Delucchi, M.A. (2011) "Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, Part I: Technologies, energy resources, quantities and areas of infrastructure, and materials", Energy Policy vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 1154-62. Schröder, K.P. & Smith, R.C. (2008) "Distant future of the Sun and Earth revisited", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, vol. 386 no. 1, pp. 155–163. Tavner, P. (2012) Offshore wind turbines: reliability, availability and maintenance, London, Institution of Engineering and Technology. Thomsen, K.E. (2011) Offshore wind: a comprehensive guide to successful offshore wind farm installation, London, Elsevier. Tillessen, T. (2010) "High demand for wind farm installation vessels", Hansa International Maritime Journal, vol. 147, no. 8, pp. 170–171. Tong, W. (2010) Wind power generation and wind turbine design, Boston, MA, WIT Press. Read More