Review and Evaluation of Offshore Wind Energy: Resources, Markets and Technologies

Offshore wind energy is rapidly emerging in the global shift towards sustainable energy, offering vast potential to meet increasing energy demands with minimal environmental impact compared to other onshore renewables. Australia has demonstrated world-class offshore wind potential; however, its industry remains relatively immature compared to major offshore wind regions in the EU and Asia, particularly in terms of resource assessment, technology readiness, market development, and regulatory framework. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of offshore wind, encompassing resource assessment, market development, and technological advancements, offering valuable insights for major stakeholders in Australia. This study first reviews global offshore wind development, highlighting regions with significant wind resources, and then examines the offshore wind resources and potential markets in Australia. The key technologies in offshore wind, including wind turbine generators, foundations (both bottom-fixed and floating), power electronics, control topologies, and transmission technologies, are comprehensively evaluated and discussed with a focus on development in Australia.