Wind energy has been championed in recent years as a safe and renewable energy source. Replacing electricity generated by fossil-fuel power stations can reduce carbon emissions and support Scotland’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2045.
Wind power is produced through two main methods: onshore and offshore wind farms. Because winds at sea are generally stronger and more consistent, offshore farms can generate electricity at a higher and steadier rate than those on land.
Excess electricity can be stored for periods of lower wind or higher demand. Storage technologies include batteries, pumped heat storage, hydro storage and supercapacitors.
There has also been public concern over wind farms regarding noise pollution, locations and its possible effect on surrounding environment and people living nearby. Research investigating wildlife, in particular birds and bats through collision, disturbance, or habitat damage is also ongoing. Developing wind energy, in combination with a wide range of other renewable energy technologies, such as wave, hydrogen, tidal, hydro and solar, could help to meet Scotland’s electricity needs.
This section provides examples of a research, teaching or innovation taking place at Robert Gordon University related to this topic.
RGU analysis indicates that over 90% of the UK's oil and gas workforce have medium to high transferability to the offshore renewables sector. Find out more in the RGU Energy Transition Institute report, ‘Powering up the Workforce: The Future of the UK Offshore Energy Workforce’ (2023), which explores the options.
This research project led by Dr Ruby Roberts, Chancellor’s Fellow of Industrial Psychology, Aberdeen Business School, looks at supporting a safe and efficient offshore wind industry. Utilising human factors (HF) research, that recognises the factors that impact peoples' performance in the workplace, has been a valuable safety management and training approach in similar sectors. Yet, there is a limited understanding of the HF in offshore wind. She is currently leading a five-year programme of HF research in wind energy to address this gap, aimed at supporting training standards, operator competence, and industry safety.