Onshore wind
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "onshore wind"
Onshore Wind Energy: Barriers, Site-Selection, and Comparative Analysis
Barriers to Onshore Wind Energy Implementation
Onshore wind energy has seen significant global diffusion, yet numerous barriers hinder its large-scale implementation. A systematic review identified 31 barriers across 159 countries, categorized into market failures, market distortions, economic and financial, institutional, technical, social, and other barriers1. These barriers are predominantly present in developing economies with recent diffusion stages, although some are also found in developed economies. The most frequently observed barriers include inadequate consideration of externalities, uncertain and unsupportive governmental policies, and insufficient transmission grids1.
Site-Selection Processes in Onshore Wind Energy
The site-selection process is crucial for the sustainable and economically viable development of onshore wind farms. A systematic review highlighted key trends and methodologies in site-selection, including the type and number of exclusion and assessment criteria, spatial planning scales, wind resource analysis, and participatory planning approaches2. These insights are essential for conducting updated site-selection analyses, addressing knowledge gaps, and enhancing global siting implementations2.
Comparative Analysis: Onshore vs. Offshore Wind Energy
Acceptance Costs and Economic Feasibility
The cost-efficient deployment of wind energy is vital for achieving renewable energy targets. However, onshore wind sites are becoming less attractive due to poorer wind conditions and increased resistance from local populations. A study comparing onshore and offshore wind development in Denmark found that while moderate onshore expansion has a cost advantage, substantial onshore expansion does not have a clear-cut cost advantage over offshore wind when considering high estimates for nationwide acceptance costs3.
Wind Characteristics and Energy Potentials
A comparative study of wind characteristics in the southeast coastal region of China revealed that offshore wind energy is more consistent and available than onshore wind energy. The study recommended different hub heights for wind turbines at onshore (70m) and offshore (40m) sites to optimize economic feasibility and annual energy production5.
Life Cycle Energy and Carbon Footprint
Onshore wind power is an established industry with a significant contribution to energy production, while offshore wind power faces numerous challenges, including higher life cycle carbon footprints due to additional components and operations. A review comparing the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of onshore and offshore wind turbines found that offshore turbines have larger life-cycle GHG emissions, primarily due to the floating platforms used in sea installations6 8. However, both onshore and offshore wind turbines have much lower GHG emission intensities compared to coal power plants8.
Future Potential of Onshore Wind Energy in Europe
Onshore wind energy is expected to play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Advanced turbine designs and future-oriented scenarios predict a significant increase in available wind capacity and performance. A study estimated that by 2050, Europe could have 13.4 TW of onshore wind capacity, generating 34.3 PWh annually, with costs unlikely to exceed 6 ct €/kWh in any future capacity scenario4.
Conclusion
Onshore wind energy faces several barriers, particularly in developing economies, but remains a critical component of the global renewable energy landscape. Effective site-selection processes and comparative analyses with offshore wind energy highlight the economic and environmental considerations necessary for future growth. Advanced turbine designs and future-oriented planning indicate a promising potential for onshore wind energy, particularly in Europe, to significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving renewable energy targets.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Barriers to onshore wind energy implementation: A systematic review
Barriers to onshore wind energy implementation include inadequate consideration of externalities, uncertain governmental policies, and insufficient transmission grids, mainly in developing economies with recent diffusion.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedSystematic Review of Site-Selection Processes in Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy Research
This systematic review highlights key insights and trends in site-selection processes for onshore and offshore wind farms, highlighting the need for updated research and improved global wind farm implementation.
Systematic ReviewComparing offshore and onshore wind development considering acceptance costs
Offshore wind development has a clear cost advantage over onshore when considering substantial wind capacity expansion and high acceptance costs, but onshore wind expansion with local acceptance has a cost advantage.
Highly CitedThe future of European onshore wind energy potential: Detailed distribution and simulation of advanced turbine designs
European onshore wind energy potential is 13.4 TW in 2050, with all countries possessing some potential for generation below 4 ct € kWh-1 and costs unlikely to exceed 6 ct € kWh-1.
Highly CitedComparative study of onshore and offshore wind characteristics and wind energy potentials: A case study for southeast coastal region of China
Offshore wind energy is more even and available than onshore wind energy in the southeast coastal region of China, with recommended hub heights of 70m and 40m, respectively.
Highly CitedLife cycle energy and carbon footprint of offshore wind energy. Comparison with onshore counterpart
Offshore wind power projects have a higher carbon footprint due to various life cycle stages compared to onshore ones, affecting their sustainable character more significantly.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAssessment of the global and regional geographical, technical and economic potential of onshore wind energy
Onshore wind energy has a global technical potential of 96 PWh year 1, with potential for a cost of 0.07 US$ kWh 1 and a potential for a global economic impact of $1.1 trillion per year.
Highly CitedLife-cycle green-house gas emissions of onshore and offshore wind turbines
Onshore and offshore wind turbines have significantly lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than coal power plants, with lifetime and energy production influencing emissions.
Highly CitedOn the socio-technical potential for onshore wind in Europe: A response to Enevoldsen et al. (2019), Energy Policy, 132, 1092-1100
The Enevoldsen et al. (2019) study on onshore wind potential in Europe is flawed due to a lack of literature review, transparency, and overly simplistic methodology, potentially misguiding scientists, policy makers, and the public.
Literature Review