Exploring China’s offshore wind energy potential in a comprehensive perspectives of technical, environmental and economic constraints

Adequate recognition of offshore wind energy potential may have far-reaching influence on the development of future energy strategies. This study aims to investigate available offshore wind energy resource in China’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs) with the aid of a Geographical Information System (GIS), which allows the influence of technical, spatial and economic constraints on raw offshore wind potential being reflected in a continuous space. Firstly, based on ocean wind speed data gained from satellite QuikSCAT, raw potential are identified. Those findings are then used along with projections of current wind turbine technology development to calculate the maximum amount of offshore wind energy that could be generated. Secondly, to calculate practical potential, the migratory path of an endangered bird and existing shipping lanes and submarine cables are excluded from the calculated technical potential. 4km, 8km and 12km buffer to coast are repsectively applied to avoid annoying visual impacts for coastal zones from offshore wind farms. Thirdly, a GIS based cost model for bottom-mountedoffshore wind energy farms is established. Levelised production cost is calculated and showed across wide regions, and sensitivity analysis is conducted to reflect how various factors influence cost of energy. The results of the study can serve as a foundation for future policy-making. More detailed assessments at regional or local scale are needed for decisions on developing offshore wind farms