Offshore Floating Wind Turbines: A Viable Major Source of Clean Power in Nigeria

Abstract

Renewable energy is one of the most exciting growth areas in the energy market. Offshore technology in the oil and gas industry is also applicable in renewable energy. A wind turbine converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy and the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity. At sea, the wind is stronger and more consistent, areas are large, and the challenges associated with projects located onshore are fewer offshore. Taking wind turbines to sea presents new opportunities. The large coastal front from Lagos to Cross River state in Nigeria, about 880 km, provides an uncommon platform to launch Nigeria into an independent power provider and potential supplier to nearby countries. The solution to the power problems currently encountered in Nigeria that has crippled industrial growth and delayed our mission of being one of the highly industrialized nations could be found if the potentials associated with the development of our sea-shores by provision of ‘Offshore Wind Farms’ are harnessed. About 104 GW of power could be generated. A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that accommodates host communities has been proposed.

Cite this Article
Uwaezuoke N, Onyejekwe MI. Offshore Floating Wind Turbines: A Viable Major Source of Clean Power in Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2017; 7(3): 1–6p.