About Offshore Wind
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a $1 trn offshore wind business by 2040. Though the industry’s early focus has been in Europe, the global opportunities in SE Asia, are significant.
Offshore wind energy is clean, renewable energy obtained by taking advantage of the force of the wind that is produced on the seas. The wind speed is higher and more constant at sea than on land because of the absence of any barriers at sea.
Over the last 15 years, offshore wind has continued to scale up with priority focus on technology innovation that ultimately results in cost reductions across the industry. The levelised cost of energy (LCOE) from offshore wind continues to drop due to ongoing industry innovations resulting in the production of bigger and more efficient turbines. This coupled with improved construction methods and operational standards will help ensure the offshore wind is mainstream.
Advantages of Offshore Wind
When located offshore, the visual and acoustic impact is very small.
Offshore wind energy is renewable, unlimited, and non-polluting.
At sea, there is typically a much higher wind speed/force allowing for more energy to be generated at a time.
Wind farms have a relatively limited impact on the environment. They are not built in areas of delicate environment, and the design allows for safe co-existence with other sea users.
Bac Lieu province makes a big play about their nearshore wind farm, and it features all their province publications.
Where Can Offshore Wind Farms Be Installed?
Offshore wind farms have, to date, generally been installed in waters up to 60 metres deep and away from the coast, marine traffic routes, strategic naval installations, and spaces of ecological interest.
Vietnam has a great wind regime around the coastline and the conditions are perfect for large scale wind development.
.png)
How Does an Offshore Wind Farm Work?
Key Components of an Offshore Wind Farm
Wind Turbine
The wind turbine typically comprises three-blades connected to the ‘nacelle’ that houses the generator. The nacelle is supported by the turbine tower that is fixed to the seabed using any of the foundation options described.
Turbine Foundations
The turbine is supported on alternative foundation types (steel monopiles as likely to be used on Phu Cuong Soc Trang project, steel jacket foundations, steel tripods or concrete piled foundations) based on water depth and soil conditions.
Cables deliver the power from the nacelle down through the tower and foundation, to emerge at the seabed. A network of ‘inter-array’ cables then connects each turbine.
Offshore Substation
The subsea inter-array cables are connected to one or more offshore substation(s), depending on the project size. For projects that are closer to shore, there may not be a requirement for an offshore substation in place, as is the case with the Phu Cuong Soc Trang project Phase 1
Export Cables
Subsea export cables will run from the offshore substation(s) where used or from the turbines to the landfall (as is the case for the Soc Trang Project Phase 1).
Onshore Cables
Buried, or overhead cables will cross from the landfall location to the grid connection point.
Onshore Substation
An onshore substation will connect the wind farm to the grid.
Wind Turbine
The wind turbine typically comprises three-blades connected to the ‘nacelle’ that houses the generator. The nacelle is supported by the turbine tower that is fixed to the seabed using any of the foundation options described.
Turbine Foundations
The turbine is supported on alternative foundation types (steel monopiles as likely to be used on Phu Cuong Soc Trang project, steel jacket foundations, steel tripods or concrete piled foundations) based on water depth and soil conditions.
Cables deliver the power from the nacelle down through the tower and foundation, to emerge at the seabed. A network of ‘inter-array’ cables then connects each turbine.
Offshore Substation
The subsea inter-array cables are connected to one or more offshore substation(s), depending on the project size. For projects that are closer to shore, there may not be a requirement for an offshore substation in place, as is the case with the Phu Cuong Soc Trang project Phase 1
Export Cables
Subsea export cables will run from the offshore substation(s) where used or from the turbines to the landfall (as is the case for the Soc Trang Project Phase 1).
Onshore Cables
Buried, or overhead cables will cross from the landfall location to the grid connection point.
Onshore Substation
An onshore substation will connect the wind farm to the grid.
How Have Offshore Wind Turbines Evolved?
The capacity of offshore turbines has increased over time as the
technology matures: 2004 – 3 MW 2021 – 12 MW
