OFFSHORE Wind Energy
Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy sector that harnesses the power of ocean winds. Although Ukraine currently has no offshore wind farms, the country possesses significant technical and infrastructure capabilities both for implementing such projects and for developing domestic production of components for offshore wind farms, including the manufacturing of offshore foundations.
The first comprehensive assessment of offshore wind energy potential in the Black Sea and Azov Sea waters was conducted by the World Bank. According to its calculations, the theoretical available capacity of offshore wind in Ukraine reaches 251 GW. Meanwhile, the overall technical potential of the entire Black Sea region is estimated by World Bank experts at 453 GW.
Considering that this figure is theoretical, UWEA and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) conducted additional calculations in 2023 and developed a preliminary feasibility study of Ukraine’s offshore wind energy potential.
Taking into account the existing wind resource, depth, and factors such as environmentally sensitive areas, shipping, fishing, etc., DTU experts concluded that the technically available potential for constructing wind farms with fixed wind turbines is 30 GW and with floating wind turbines – 20 GW.
Criteria and constraints for fixed and floating wind turbines
Ukraine is a participant in regional cooperation within the framework of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea. The Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda includes stimulating and developing blue economy sectors, namely the development of offshore wind and wave technologies.
Considering the experience of EU member states and Energy Community countries that have access to the Black Sea and demonstrate high indicators of wind energy development and greenhouse gas emission reductions, launching the offshore wind energy market in Ukraine is one of the best methods for accelerating the energy transition and achieving the goals of the EU Green Deal.
| White Paper “Offshore Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen: Opening New Frontiers of Ukraine’s Energy Capacity” |
