Influence of Size on the Economic Feasibility of Floating Offshore Wind Farms

• Main Authors: Laura Castro-Santos, Almudena Filgueira-Vizoso, Carlos Álvarez-Feal, Luis Carral
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-11-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: offshore wind farm; power; size; cost; renewable energy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/12/4484

This paper uses a method to analyze the economic influence of the size of floating offshore wind farms. The economic aspects analyzed, LCOE (Levelized Cost Of Energy) and costs, depend on the number of floating offshore wind turbines, which establishes the effect of the size of the farm. This influence has been carried out for a map in a specific location. Regarding the case study, 18 alternatives have been considered taking into account the total power of the farm and the types of floating platforms. These aspects have been studied for the location of Galicia (Spain). Results indicate how LCOE and costs vary when the size of the floating offshore wind farm is increased for the studied kinds of offshore structures. Results are useful for planning an offshore wind farm in deep waters in future investments.