Fresh research from Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables – an energy, chemicals, renewables, metals and mining research and consultancy group – over 680 GW of wind power generation will be added globally over the next ten years. The group also raised its Global Wind Power Market Outlook Update by 2% for the fourth quarter of 2018.
The increasing maturity of offshore technologies is a particular key aspect when it comes to wind power growth in Europe. While offshore windfarms are inherently more difficult to maintain and service when compared to their onshore counterparts, they often benefit from stronger, more consistent wind speeds and the ability to build turbines on a scale that would be highly controversial on land. Advanced lubricants, such as Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT from Mobil UK stockists, have also been developed to protect equipment even in harsh marine environments.
The lead author of the report, Luke Lewandowski, said:
“With 16 GW of offshore wind power capacity installed in Europe by the end of 2018 and more than 47 GW expected to come online in the region from 2018 to 2027, the European offshore sector continues to be a focal point of growth for the wind power industry.”
Lewandowski added that the successful experience in Europe with offshore wind energy is encouraging governments in other areas to invest more in wind power. While some are motivated by targets for renewable energy and carbon reduction, it can also help to bolster a country’s domestic energy supply.
