Offshore wind farm locations: a global overview

By 2024, the global wind turbine count surpassed the hundreds of thousands. Offshore wind alone accounted for a capacity of approximately 75 gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2023, with projections that global capacity could expand to 487 GW by 2033. This rapid growth is a result of significant commitments by governments and industry players to combat climate change by investing in clean energy technologies, particularly in Asia, Europe and the Americas. 

Wind turbines are commonly situated in regions with strong and consistent wind patterns, such as coastlines, mountain passes and open plains. Offshore wind farms are typically found along coastlines in areas with reliable wind resources, often farther from shore to optimise wind exposure and reduce visual impact. 

Wind turbine placement, particularly offshore, involves comprehensive assessments to ensure maximum energy production and minimal environmental impact. Developers analyse wind speeds, water depths and distance from the coast to find the most productive sites. Environmental considerations, such as the presence of whales and other marine life and proximity to shipping lanes, also influence siting decisions. 

Advancements in floating turbines have allowed projects to move into deeper waters, reducing the potential for conflict with coastal activities while accessing stronger winds. One prominent example of a floating offshore wind farm is Hywind Tampen, located approximately 140 km off the coast of Norway. It is the world's largest and was built specifically to power offshore oil and gas platforms. Current upgrades will reduce annual Norwegian CO₂ emissions by more than 200000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 100 000 petrol-driven cars from the roads. 

Although European nations such as Denmark, Germany and the UK have been at the forefront of offshore wind development, China has recently emerged as the global leader, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of installed offshore wind capacity worldwide. 

The US has also ramped up its investments, especially along the Atlantic coast, with an ambitious goal of achieving 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. South Korea and Japan also have extensive plans to increase offshore wind capacity in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Global wind farm locations can be explored using tools like the Esgian map of offshore wind farms which provides an updated view of installed and planned turbines. 

Offshore wind has proven itself as a mature and scalable industry. With a strategic approach to wind farm placement and emerging technologies improve competitiveness, global capacity is set to soar, giving offshore wind an important role in the transition to clean energy sources.