Coastal and Offshore Wind Energy Generation: Is It Environmentally Benign?

Jennifer C. Wilson, Mike Elliott, Nick D. Cutts, Lucas Mander, Vera Mendão, Rafael Perez-Dominguez and Anna Phelps
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Jennifer C. Wilson: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Mike Elliott: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Nick D. Cutts: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Lucas Mander: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Vera Mendão: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Rafael Perez-Dominguez: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
Anna Phelps: Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK

Energies, 2010, vol. 3, issue 7, 1-40

Abstract: Offshore and coastal wind power is one of the fastest growing industries in many areas, especially those with shallow coastal regions due to the preferable generation conditions available in the regions. As with any expanding industry, there are concerns regarding the potential environmental effects which may be caused by the installation of the offshore wind turbines and their associated infrastructure, including substations and subsea cables. These include the potential impacts on the biological, physical and human environments. This review discusses in detail the potential impacts arising from offshore wind farm construction, and how these may be quantified and addressed through the use of conceptual models. It concludes that while not environmentally benign, the environmental impacts are minor and can be mitigated through good siting practices. In addition, it suggests that there are opportunities for environmental benefits through habitat creation and conservation protection areas.

Keywords: offshore wind energy; environmental impact assessment; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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