While the United Kingdom and Norway, have the world’s leading floating wind industry, a study completed in 2024, found there is great potential right here in South Africa.
The Western Cape holds the highest potential of an estimated 80.52 GW for floating wind, followed by the Eastern Cape, with approximately 20.04 GW.
Kubiat Umoh, Abbas Hasan and Ayman Al-Qatton (2024) are the authors of the study.
Their study found that 2% (246,105.4 km2) of South Africa’s entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is suitable for hosting floating wind turbines.
The study considered key technical drivers or barriers of the technology, through a Geographic Information System analysis (GIS) analysis and excluded sites such as marine protected zones, underwater cables, major oil and gas deposits.
According to the Acoustical Society of America, offshore wind farms can affect sea wildlife positively and negatively.
Research undertaken by the University of Maryland Biodiversity Research Institute, shows positive effects, could include the creation of new habitats and artificial reefs.
Negative impacts could include how underwater sound could affects fish and aquatic inverterbrates.
Picture: Kent