Technology report
Offshore Wind Outlook 2019
World Energy Outlook special report
Wind
Onshore wind is a proven, mature technology with an extensive global supply chain and offshore wind is also expected to grow rapidly.
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Onshore technology has evolved over the last five years to maximise electricity produced per megawatt capacity installed to unlock more sites with lower wind speeds. Wind turbines have become bigger with taller hub heights, and larger rotor diameters.
Offshore wind is also expected to grow rapidly. Deploying turbines in the sea takes advantage of better wind resources than at land-based sites. Therefore, new offshore turbines are able to achieve significantly more full-load hours depending on resource availability.
Offshore wind is also expected to grow rapidly. Deploying turbines in the sea takes advantage of better wind resources than at land-based sites. Therefore, new offshore turbines are able to achieve significantly more full-load hours depending on resource availability.
Last updated Dec 3, 2019
Key findings
Offshore wind technical potential and electricity demand, 2018
OpenOffshore wind has remarkable potential
The global offshore wind market grew nearly 30% per year between 2010 and 2018. Yet today's offshore wind market doesn't even come close to tapping the full potential – with high-quality resources available in most major markets, offshore wind has the potential to generate more than 420000 TWh per year worldwide. This is more than 18 times global electricity demand today.
Offshore wind power generation in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030
OpenCost reductions, technology improvements and rapid deployment achieved in Europe need to be extended to other regions
Compared with record 32% growth in 2017, offshore wind electricity generation increased only 20% in 2018. Given its relatively small base, offshore wind growth must accelerate even further to reach the generation levels demonstrated in the Sustainable Development Scenario.
Onshore wind power generation in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030
OpenMore efforts are needed in onshore wind power
In 2018, onshore wind electricity generation increased by an estimated 12%, while capacity additions only grew 7%. However, more efforts are needed: annual additions of onshore wind capacity need to increase much faster through 2030 to get on track with the Sustainable Development Scenario.
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