FAQs
We have answered some of the most common questions about offshore wind farms in the section below, but we will be adding new questions regularly, so please check back in
General FAQs
An offshore wind farm consists of a number of large wind turbines that are fixed to the seabed. A turbine generates renewable electricity when the wind turns its blades. A floating offshore wind farm utilized floating platforms to support the wind turbines. This means that the siting is more flexible and that ultimately the structures can be removed more easily in the future.
The electricity generated by each turbine may be collected by an offshore electricity substation located within the wind farm or cabled directly to shore. Seabed cables connect the substation to the coast. These cables transport the electricity to land from where it will be used to power homes, farms and businesses around Ireland.
Where once the benefits of offshore wind were inaccessible to Northern Ireland, due to the deep waters and challenging seabed, floating wind now presents the opportunity to help decarbonise the economy, contribute towards energy security and bring the benefits of offshore wind supply chain to the region.
Wind energy is Northern Ireland’s main tool in the fight against climate change. It cuts our carbon emissions by millions of tonnes every year and currently provides almost half of the country’s electricity.
However, almost all of Northern Ireland’s existing wind farms are onshore. Wind conditions off the coast are far better and much taller turbines can be used. This means a single offshore wind turbine can generate as much as three or even four onshore turbines.
The Northern Ireland Executive has committed to a target of 80% of electricity generation from renewables by 2030 and a trajectory to a net zero economy. The Energy Strategy and associated action plan which was published in January 2022 announced an aspiration for Northern Ireland to develop 1GW of offshore wind as part of the wider net zero aspiration. Developing offshore wind energy is essential if we are to reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions and to play our part in the fight against climate change.
We are keen to co-exist with other users of the sea.
In GB, the government has powers to declare ‘safety zones’ around offshore wind developments typically during construction, for major maintenance works and for decommissioning, to preserve the safety of other users of the marine environment and the development itself. Once wind farms are fully constructed and operating normally safety zones are only approved if there is a clear justification for their implementation. The NI Department for the Economy has recently consulted on the creation of similar powers in NI waters.
For North Channel Wind navigational safety will be of principal concern when considering whether any safety zones are needed around the turbines, and we will be undertaking a thorough Navigational Risk Assessment for the project in keeping with Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 654. This will involve consultation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other commercial and recreational marine stakeholders.
The minimum clearance between the blade tip and the sea would be at least 22m above sea level.
North Channel Wind has ongoing engagement with the fishing industry, and has also met with various recreational boating stakeholders including the NI branch of the Royal Yachting Association, the Cruising Association, Berth Holders Association members in Glenarm and Mid & East Antrim Council Harbour and Marinas Manager. We will continue to engage with these stakeholders as the project progresses.
Generally, there is no reason why fishing activity and offshore wind farms cannot co-exist although sometimes fishing practices may need to be amended slightly to ensure that the two industries can work together to ensure the space is shared safely and to mutual benefit. Fishing continues today near offshore wind farms in many parts of the world.
It is important for the developer to engage as early as possible with the local fishing community to ensure ways are found to minimise the impact of a wind farm on fishing.
Every project is unique and there are many different types of fishing activity. The best way to ensure fishing can continue around an offshore wind farm is for the developer and local fishers to share information and work together to try to overcome obstacles.
If you have any questions please get in touch with our Fisheries Liaison Officer Brian Chambers (SeaSource Offshore) by email: flo2@seasource.com or by phone: +44 (0)7355 744942
Absolutely, NCW is committed to maximising the benefit to Northern Ireland and to work with local companies to ensure high levels of local content in the projects going forward. If you are interested in being included, please visit the supply chain page of our website, to register your interest.
BVG Associates have created a Guide to a Floating Offshore Wind Farm, with funding from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, The Crown Estate and The Crown Estate Scotland. The guide has been developed to educate its users about the different lifecycle activities, components, costs and supply chain of floating offshore wind. Click here to access: Guide to a Floating Offshore Wind Farm.
Common misconceptions about wind farms
One of the most widespread misconceptions about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they create more drag than lift, which reduces their efficiency and output. This is based on the assumption that wind turbines are like airplane wings, which need to generate more lift than drag to fly. However, wind turbines are not designed to fly, but to spin. They use a different type of airfoil, which has a higher angle of attack and a thicker shape, to create more torque and rotational force. This means that they can operate at lower wind speeds and extract more energy from the wind.
Another common misconception about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they need to be aligned with the wind direction, otherwise they will not spin or produce power. This is based on the idea that wind turbines are like windmills, which have fixed blades that can only catch the wind from one direction. However, modern wind turbines have pitch control systems, which allow them to adjust the angle of their blades according to the wind speed and direction. This means that they can optimize their performance and minimize the stress on their components.
A third common misconception about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they cause significant noise pollution, which disturbs the wildlife and the people living nearby. This is based on the perception that wind turbines generate loud and constant noise from their blades and gears. However, wind turbine noise is actually much lower than many other sources of noise, such as traffic, industry, or airplanes. The noise level of a typical wind turbine at a distance of 300 meters is about 45 decibels, which is equivalent to a quiet conversation. Moreover, wind turbine noise can be reduced by using better designs, materials, and maintenance.
A fourth common misconception about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they kill large numbers of birds and bats, which threatens their populations and ecosystems. This is based on the assumption that wind turbines are like giant rotating blades, which slice through the air and hit any flying creature that crosses their path. However, wind turbine mortality is actually much lower than many other causes of bird and bat deaths, such as collisions with buildings, power lines, vehicles, or predators. The estimated annual mortality rate of birds and bats from wind turbines in the US is between 0.01% and 0.02%, which is negligible compared to the natural mortality rate of 30% to 40%. Furthermore, wind turbine mortality can be reduced by using better site selection, monitoring, and mitigation measures.
A fifth common misconception about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they are unreliable and need backup power, which increases their cost and carbon footprint. This is based on the notion that wind turbines are dependent on the wind, which is variable and unpredictable. However, wind turbines are not isolated units, but part of a larger grid system, which can balance the supply and demand of electricity from different sources. Wind power is actually more predictable and stable than many other sources of power, such as solar, hydro, or nuclear, which can be affected by weather, water levels, or accidents. Moreover, wind power can be integrated with other renewable sources, such as solar, biomass, or geothermal, to create a more diverse and resilient energy mix.
A sixth common misconception about wind turbine aerodynamics is that they are ugly and ruin the landscape, which lowers the property values and the quality of life of the people living nearby. This is based on the opinion that wind turbines are out of place and incompatible with the natural and cultural scenery. However, wind turbine aesthetics are subjective and personal, and not everyone shares the same view. Some people may find wind turbines beautiful and inspiring, while others may find them ugly and intrusive. The impact of wind turbines on the landscape can be minimized by using better planning, design, and consultation processes, which can take into account the visual, environmental, and social aspects of each project.
