Technology Overview

Offshore wind power is a technology that generates electricity by harnessing wind energy in marine environments to drive turbines. Depending on geological conditions and water depth, projects may use either fixed-bottom or floating foundations. The generated electricity is transmitted to shore via submarine cables and integrated into the grid.

Technical Characteristics

Compared to onshore wind, offshore wind benefits from higher and more stable wind speeds, enabling large-scale projects with significant electricity output. It is considered a strategic technology in the energy transition in many countries.

The nominal capacity factor of offshore wind is approximately 46.5% for fixed-bottom turbines, higher than onshore wind due to favorable wind conditions and reduced terrain effects. This allows for higher and more stable generation over time. However, offshore deployment requires more complex technologies, including foundation design, marine installation, and subsea transmission systems, resulting in higher technical requirements and operational costs.

Investment costs are approximately 4.3 million USD/MW, significantly higher than onshore wind, reflecting the more challenging construction and operating conditions. Despite this, offshore wind is expected to play a major role in deep decarbonization due to its high capacity factor and large-scale potential.

Application in Vietnam

In Vietnam, offshore wind has significant potential due to the country’s long coastline. However, it remains at an early stage of development and requires further advancement in regulatory frameworks and supporting infrastructure.