May 13th, 2010 
Tushar Mathur Do you know that wind energy can also be generated from the ocean winds? From the recent studies conducted by NASA, a new ray of hope, promises this. Nearly for a decade, the QuikSCAT satellite sent by NASA, is conducting the research and has given the results that confirm that ocean’s wind can be used for harnessing energy generation. The satellite maps can be utilized for identifying the wind farms that can be used for electric energy production.
From the revelations of the satellite, it can be estimated that potentially, the wind energy can meet at least 10 to 15 percentages of the energy requirements of the world.
If the ocean areas having high winds can be effectively used for producing wind energy, then at least 500 to 800 watts of energy per sqm can be generated. Though the solar energy produces one kilo watt of energy per sqm, the wind energy produces little lesser than that. But the main advantage of using the wind energy is that they can be converted into electricity at low cost and more efficiently than the solar energy.
The wind farms at the ocean are also more environment friendly as compared to the onshore farms. The onshore wind farms make lot of noise which becomes the cause of disturbance for the sensitive wildlife living in the vicinity.
The onshore wind farms have the advantage of strong currents from the ocean rather than on land. This is because there is less friction in water which can slow down the winds. Moreover, the wind’s path will not be blocked by the mountains.
It is necessary that the offshore wind farms have to be located at the places where the wind blows at high speed and continuously. The new research can point out such areas which produce high winds.
The maps sent by QuikSCAT can be useful for identifying the areas in the ocean, with high winds that are dangerous for the ships.
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