Offshore renewable energy development: U.S. experience and takeaways for Ukraine

Abstract

This article is an analysis of the development of global offshore renewable energy in general with a focus in offshore wind, as the most rapidly maturing source in a body of water. Considering the rapid growth of clean power technologies and keeping in mind the target set out by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C versus higher levels, the world can witness 100% transition to renewable energy by 2050. The overview of a recent study published by Stanford University in which authors designed a framework to replace 99.7% of fossil fuel energy in 143 countries with wind, water and solar provides a vision of future energy infrastructure and climate change policymaking as it is seen by scientists. Offshore wind is assumed viable in Ukraine; however, at the date of writing this article no offshore wind farms exist in this country. Are there offshore renewable prospects for Ukraine? Why offshore wind would be beneficial? Can this industry evolve successfully without government support? And if it cannot, what legislative activities can drive offshore renewable power in Ukraine? The article aimed to answer these questions based on the experience in the United States where offshore wind is poised to play a significant role in future energy infrastructure.