Floating Offshore Wind Power
Revolutionizing Renewable Energy
- The Advantages of Floating Offshore Wind for South Africa
Discover the benefits of floating offshore wind, a game-changing solution that leverages South Africa's strong offshore winds and deep waters to provide sustainable, efficient energy where traditional methods fall short.
Why Floating Offshore Wind?
Access to Strong Winds Offshore
Winds far out at sea are stronger and more consistent – accessing the offshore winds equals more electricity production.
Flexible Site Selection
Unlike bottom-fixed platforms, floating platforms’ anchoring systems are less affected by bottom conditions, which makes site selection flexible and presents more opportunities for industrial alternatives.
Adaptable to Circumstances
Floating wind power can have positive effects on marine life, and does not disturb residential environments nor affect coastal interests or activities.
Environmentally Responsible
Due to its flexibility in site selection, floating wind power can be placed where the need is greatest and where the grid connection can be established.
Why Floating Offshore Wind
Floating Offshore Wind Power in South Africa
South Africa’s current energy system is in need of significant additional electricity capacity to meet current and future electricity demands. Additionally, South Africa is focused on decarbonisation by driving the demand for cleaner energy sources and renewable energy generation. Floating offshore wind provides an opportunity to develop large-scale renewable energy generation projects, whilst reducing the social and environmental impacts often associated with onshore energy projects. Floating offshore wind are not restricted to certain seabed conditions, are less visible from shore and provide vast areas of clean energy.
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South Africa benefits from strong and consistent wind conditions, but deep water close to shore means that much of South Africa’s marine space is unsuitable for conventional fixed offshore wind foundations. Floating offshore wind on the other hand, has the same proven offshore wind turbines that have been used in conventional offshore wind projects for over 20 years. The difference in set-up is that these turbines are installed on floating structures, similar to those used by the offshore oil and gas industry. By mounting turbines on floating structures, wind power can be harnessed in much deeper waters than is possible with conventional fixed offshore wind installations. This form of offshore wind technology is ideal for South Africa, where the depth of the seabed increases rapidly from shore.
Furthermore, South Africa is committed to reducing carbon emissions with over 40% by 2025, and the Department of Environmental Affairs believes renewable energy is the most feasible means to achieve this. Increasing our renewable energy supplies requires the addition of more types of energy production to the energy mix. Floating offshore wind power is one of them, and we at GenesisHexicon are ready to develop large-scale floating offshore wind projects.
Job Creation and Economic Sustainability Through Floating Offshore Wind Projects
Floating offshore wind projects represent more than an innovative approach to meeting our energy needs—they can foster economic and professional development on a local and national level across South Africa.
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Floating offshore wind projects are inherently labour-intensive, requiring significant resources and expenditure throughout the project’s lifecycle. It takes a wide range of skills and expertise to deliver a floating offshore wind project, particularly in engineering, construction and project management services. Each phase of a project's lifecycle thus brings opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
At GenesisHexicon, we are dedicated to fostering a robust supply chain in South Africa, geared towards supporting and capitalizing on the unique demands of offshore wind projects. Our dedication to sustainability is paralleled by our hope to contribute positively to the South African economy. By developing local expertise and infrastructure, there is a possibility to enhance the professional landscape and economic vitality of the nation.
