Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA)

Why in News?

• Nine new countries have recently sign up for Global Offshore Wind Alliance at COP27.

Highlights

• It was established to ramp up of offshore wind in order to tackle the climate and energy security crises.
• It was set up by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Denmark and the Global Wind Energy Council.
• GWEC was established in 2005 to provide a credible and representative forum for the entire wind energy sector at an international level.
• Several organizations are supporting the alliance and promoting offshore wind in their respective regions.
• Both IRENA and the International Energy Agency (IEA) expect that offshore wind capacity will need to exceed 2000 GW in 2050, from just over 60 GW today, to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degree Celsius and achieve net zero.
• To reach this target, GOWA will aim to contribute to accelerating growth to reach a total of at least 380 GW installed capacity by the end of 2030.
• Wind speed over water bodies is high and is consistent in direction. As a result, offshore wind farms generate more electricity per installed capacity.
• Fewer offshore turbines are required to produce the same capacity of energy as compared to onshore ones.
• Offshore wind farms have a higher CUF (Capacity Utilisation Factor) than onshore wind farms. Therefore, offshore wind power allows for longer operating hours.
• A wind turbine’s CUF is equal to the average output power divided by the maximum power capabilities.
• It’s possible to build bigger and taller offshore windmills, resulting in increased energy harvest.
• Furthermore, the wind flow is not restricted by hills or buildings.