In August, President Biden signed a climate bill that made wind power, specifically offshore wind power, a priority. The goal is to harness the power of the wind in the open seas and convert it into electricity for 10 million American homes by 2030. However, there is a long way to go as there are only seven offshore wind turbines off the coast of the United States compared to nearly 6,000 in Europe. Critics argue that offshore wind turbines are expensive to build and maintain, and their construction and decommissioning costs are passed on to consumers. However, the UK argues that offshore wind power is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation, and the costs are privately funded with investment partners.
The largest offshore wind farm in the world, known as the Hornsey Wind Farm, is located along the northeast coast of England. It consists of more than 300 turbines spread across 335 square miles and generates enough electricity to power more than 2 million homes a day.
The documentary filmmakers traveled to Grimsby, a town along the northeast coast of England, to understand the power, size, and upkeep of offshore wind turbines. They visited the Hornsey Wind Farm and interviewed Bridey Salmon, a 24-year-old turbine technician, about her job. Salmon explained that her job involves scaling and servicing the turbines, and she shared her experiences of navigating rough waters and climbing to the top of the turbines.
Despite the challenges, the Hornsey Wind Farm has brought new life to Grimsby. Offshore wind energy company Orsted has created 600 jobs and invested over 18 billion dollars in local wind farms. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of the wind turbines and the number of jobs created. Some critics argue that the electricity bill has not gone down as promised, and the transition from a fishing town to a powerhouse of the north is an amazing transition.
1. Last August, President Biden signed a climate bill into law, making wind power, specifically offshore wind power, a priority. The goal is to capture the force of the wind in the open seas and convert it into power for 10 million American homes by 2030 .
2. Despite the priority set, there are only seven offshore wind turbines off the coast of the United States, compared to nearly 6,000 in Europe .
3. Critics argue that offshore wind turbines are expensive to build and maintain, and that they are unpredictable and visually unpleasant .
4. The Hornsey Wind Farm, located along the northeast coast of England, is the largest crop of offshore wind turbines in the world. It consists of more than 300 turbines spread across 335 square miles, generating enough electricity to power more than 2 million homes a day .
5. Offshore wind turbines are nearly 600 feet high, with spinning fiberglass blades roughly the length of the world's largest passenger jet. Each blade weighs almost 30 tons .
6. Offshore wind turbines are partially assembled onshore, then shipped out to sea where each blade is attached with surgical precision to the top of the turbine. Each angle has to be perfect to generate maximum power once installed .
7. Offshore wind power is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation in the UK. It has been privately funded together with investment partners .
8. Offshore wind energy is unique as it is one of the only projects in most countries where large-scale power station infrastructure can be built. Most of Europe is too populated to fit very large wind farms or solar farms, which is why offshore wind has been chosen .
9. The Hornsey Wind Farm generates enough electricity to power more than 2 million homes a day .
10. Offshore wind power is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation in the UK. It has been privately funded together with investment partners .
11. Offshore wind energy is unique as it is one of the only projects in most countries where large-scale power station infrastructure can be built. Most of Europe is too populated to fit very large wind farms or solar farms, which is why offshore wind has been chosen .
12. The Hornsey Wind Farm, located along the northeast coast of England, is the largest crop of offshore wind turbines in the world. It consists of more than 300 turbines spread across 335 square miles, generating enough electricity to power more than 2 million homes a day .
13. Offshore wind turbines are nearly 600 feet high, with spinning fiberglass blades roughly the length of the world's largest passenger jet. Each blade weighs almost 30 tons .
14. Offshore wind turbines are partially assembled onshore, then shipped out to sea where each blade is attached with surgical precision to the top of the turbine. Each angle has to be perfect to generate maximum power once installed .
15. Offshore wind power is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation in the UK. It has been privately funded together with investment partners .
16. Offshore wind energy is unique as it is one of the only projects in most countries where large-scale power station infrastructure can be built. Most of Europe is too populated to fit very large wind farms or solar farms, which is why offshore wind has been chosen .