California offshore winds show promise as power source

[Klaralven]

As California aims to provide 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2045, a study from California Polytechnic State University provides some good news. Offshore winds along the Central Coast increase at the same time that people start using more energy -- in the evening.

One of the challenges of moving toward fully renewable energy is matching production to demand. Though the state has high existing solar energy capacity and the potential for even more, the supply of solar power peaks in the middle of the day and ends when the sun goes down. Consumer demand, on the other hand, peaks in the evening when people return from work around or after sunset.

Because storage of solar energy on a large scale is not yet practical, other renewable sources are needed to meet the Golden State's environmental milestone of going fully renewable.

The Cal Poly research team found that offshore winds are strongest when demand is greatest, making it an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by solar and on-shore wind energy production. The team was led by research scientist Yi-Hui Wang and included biology professors Ben Ruttenberg and Crow White and physics Professor Ryan Walter.

"The alignment between potential offshore wind power production and demand highlights the important role that offshore wind energy could play in meeting California's ambitious renewable energy goals," Wang said.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200908170537.htm

[2naSalit]

1. Will they be on flotation devices?

Because the ground moves a lot off the cast there and probably sketchy place to put something that is anchored to the ground.

[Klaralven]

2. Yes, floating wind farms. The water gets deep fast off the California coast.

"The greatest wind speeds, which would produce the most energy, are found farther from the coast. Most existing offshore wind farms are installed close to shore in shallow water less than 160 feet deep. However, several floating wind farms in deeper water farther from shore are now in operation in Europe, with more in the planning stages.

"Floating offshore wind farms are now a proven technology and game-changer in many respects," Walter said. "These floating platforms make offshore wind farms a new reality in many locations, with a single turbine having the potential to power more than 10,000 homes.""

[hunter]

3. I hope not.

Wind turbines are ugly and they don't make the world a better place.