Abstract
Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy source with great potential worldwide, with strong development in Asia and Europe in recent years. It is expected to grow by 15 to 21 gigawatts (GW) per year between 2025 and 2030 [1], thanks to the opening and implementation of new markets such as America, Oceania and the Asian continent.
The offshore wind energy resource has a high quality and a large number of areas available for exploitation. Although the costs of offshore wind energy are still higher than those of other onshore renewable energy sources, significant reductions are projected, which will be accompanied by the development of economies of scale, technological innovations and mass production [2].
Currently, the offshore wind sector mostly uses bottom-fixed devices, installed at depths of less than 50 metres (m). Recent innovations in floating devices, which are about to enter the commercial phase, have considerably expanded the geographical areas that are compatible with this type of technology, especially in countries that do not have an extensive continental shelf, as is the case of Chile. In Chile, the estimated technical potential of offshore wind energy is 957 GW, of which 14% corresponds to bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines, and 86% (826 GW) to floating wind turbines [3].
One of the main challenges for the coming years is to reduce costs (CAPEX and OPEX) and improve manufacturing, installation and maintenance capabilities [4], in order to ensure a sustained reduction in power generation costs. The great potential for economies of scale in this industry and innovation in manufacturing, installation and maintenance processes allow a cost reduction path to be envisaged in the medium and long term.
To take advantage of the offshore wind resource in Chile it is necessary, in addition to an active participation in the development of technologies and their cost reduction, to address and resolve specific local issues, such as aspects linked to manufacturing capacities and maritime services, and the creation of a regulatory framework that promotes the development of the sector in harmony with other uses of the maritime territory and coastal regions.
This document was built on the basis of diverse research and experiences acquired throughout the execution of the MERIC project, seeking to contribute to the development of offshore wind energy in Chile.