Published on June 12th, 2017 | by Joshua S Hill

June 12th, 2017 by Joshua S Hill

Up to a quarter of the European Unions electricity demand could be met by offshore wind energy at an average of 54 per megawatt-hour in the most favorable locations, according to a new report published this month, which also suggests offshore wind could generate between 2,600 to 6,000 terawatt-hours per year.

These are the key findings from a new report published this month by renewable energy consultancy BVG Associates, for WindEurope, the wind energy trade body for the European Union. Specifically, the report looked at the economically attractive resource potential of offshore wind in the EU as well as the location for lowest cost resource, assessing them on two policy scenarios a baseline scenario based on current frameworks and assumptions, and an upside scenario based on what could happen if governments responded positively to cost reductions, as well as if there are positive developments on grid access, market support mechanisms, site development and supply chain development.

The report found that offshore wind could, in theory, generate anywhere between 2,600 and 6,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year at a competitive cost of65 per megawatt-hour (MWh) or below, including grid connection, based on the use of technologies that will have been developed by 2030 technologies such as 13 MW wind turbines (as compared to the largest currently ready for manufacturing, 9.5 MW). Amazingly, this would represent between 80% (for the baseline scenario) and 180% (for the upside scenario) of the EUs total electricity demand.

Further, focusing solely on the most favorable locations, 25% of the EUs electricity demand could be met by offshore wind energy at an average of 54/MWh. This assumes seabed-fixed foundations and includes grid connection, and in the baseline scenario would see development focused inUK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Meanwhile, in the upside scenario, additional offshore wind capacity could also be added in Ireland, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Installed capacity in the baseline scenario to the end of 2030 for the EU member states in all sea basins

Installed capacity in the upside scenario to the end of 2030 for the EU member states in all sea basins

However, these are the best-case scenarios we could hope for, and WindEurope is currently focusing simply on EU governments working to see offshore wind account for between 7% to 11% of the EUs electricity demand by 2030. To hit this target, the authors of the new report are calling on EU governments to:

The report has been welcomed by wind energy advocates across the EU, especially in the (Brexiting) UK. The report specifically highlighted that the UK could install a total of 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030, which is enough to power 75% of all UK households. Meanwhile, the report predicts that Germany could install up to 14 GW of new offshore wind capacity by the same time.

Cumulative installed capacity by country by the end of 2030

This report shows what our innovative offshore wind industry can deliver in the years ahead, securing economic growth and cheaper electricity, said Emma Pinchbeck, RenewableUKs Executive Director, in response to the reports findings. The Government can help us by continuing to hold fiercely competitive auctions for financial support, as well as putting offshore wind at the heart of its upcoming Industrial Strategy. Clear, bold, modern energy policy will attract billions of pounds of investment.

The report confirms that the cost reduction seen in offshore wind over the last two years could translate into significant volumes of clean, competitive and reliable power for the UK by 2030, added Giles Dickson, CEO WindEurope. The UK should factor this into their long-term energy planning. We need to see a deployment of at least 4 GW per year in Europe for offshore wind to maintain its cost reduction trend. This would allow offshore wind to be competitive with conventional power before very long.

The new report was accompanied by a WindEurope report which highlighted the fact that floating offshore wind energy technology is no longer a demonstration technology, and is ready for the big time. Specifically, the report highlighted a current pipeline of floating offshore projects totaling nearly 350 MW, and an estimated European potential of 4,000 GW.

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Tags: BVG Associates, Denmark, EU, EU offshore wind, europe offshore wind, European offshore wind, European Union, France, Germany, ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Netherlands, UK

Joshua S Hill I'm a Christian, a nerd, a geek, and I believe that we're pretty quickly directing planet-Earth into hell in a handbasket! I also write for Fantasy Book Review (.co.uk), and can be found writing articles for a variety of other sites. Check me out at about.me for more.

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A Quarter Of EU's Electricity Demand Could Be Met By Offshore Wind At 54/MWh - CleanTechnica