havvind

Havvind, or offshore wind energy, refers to electricity generated by wind turbines located in bodies of water, typically in seas or oceans. The main advantage over onshore wind is access to stronger and more consistent winds, along with large available areas that reduce land-use conflicts. This enables larger turbine arrays and higher potential output per installation.

Development of havvind began in Europe in the late 20th century and has grown rapidly since the 2010s. Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands were early leaders, with later expansion to other regions including North America and Asia. Projects range from shallow-water fixed-bottom installations to deeper-water floating systems, the latter expanding possibilities in areas with greater water depth and different seabed conditions.

Technology and design involve several elements. Fixed-bottom turbines sit on foundations such as monopiles, jackets, or gravity-based structures, while floating turbines use buoyant platforms and mooring systems for operations in deeper seas. Turbine arrays are connected to offshore substations, which collect power and transmit it to shore via export cables, typically using alternating current or, for longer distances, high-voltage direct current links. Maintenance is conducted with specialized vessels, subject to weather windows and sea conditions.

Environmental and regulatory aspects include impact assessments, mitigation of seabed disturbance, and protections for birds, marine mammals, fisheries, and shipping. Economics are driven by capital costs, financing, and auctions that determine long-term prices, with ongoing efforts to reduce costs through technology improvements and supply-chain development. Future directions emphasize floating wind, larger turbines, and integration with grid infrastructure and energy storage or sector coupling.