Offshore wind
In one line
Wind turbines installed in marine environments — typically larger, with higher capacity factors and higher cost than onshore wind.
What it means
Offshore wind installs turbines in marine environments (continental shelf or floating). Advantages: stronger and more consistent winds, larger turbine sizes feasible (15–22 MW in 2026 vs 4–7 MW onshore), no land-use constraints. Disadvantages: 2–3x higher installed cost, complex installation logistics, longer development timelines, transmission cabling costs. China leads operating capacity (~50 GW); UK, Germany, Netherlands lead in Europe; US offshore wind faced major setbacks 2023–2024 and is rebuilding.
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