The US has just started building floating wind turbines – how do they work?

Dec 16, 2022

Floating wind turbines are being tested in several locations around the world. Image: Unsplash

Matthew Lackner

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst

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One of the common types of platforms for floating wind turbines are semi submersible platforms Image: NREL/Josh Bauer

The University of Maine has been experimenting with floating wind turbines. Image: REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Offshore wind power potential in the U.S floating wind turbines

Offshore wind power potential is stronger in areas where the water is too deep for fixed turbines. Image: NREL

Lease areas for Pacific coast offshore wind energy development. floating wind turbines

The first five federal lease areas for Pacific coast offshore wind energy development Image: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Globally, several full-scale demonstration projects with floating wind turbines are already operating in Europe and Asia. Image: Conversation

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