The challenges of harnessing offshore wind

Course links: GCSE • IGCSE • A-level • IA-level • IB • National 5 • Higher Geography

Contents

Offshore wind is an abundant and renewable source of energy, set to play an important role in the transition to net zero. But there are big challenges associated with harnessing wind energy, particularly when it comes to building wind farms at sea. Overcoming these challenges are geographers and geoscientists, who bring together an understanding of physical geography, geology, geo-hazards, and energy resource management to find solutions to creating clean energy infrastructure.

In this video, team up with Dr Claire McGhee, a marine geoscientist who works in the offshore wind sector. We explore how geoscientists use their understanding of physical geography to find suitable locations for offshore wind, and what a career pathway looks like from geography classrooms to the renewable energy sector.

Acknowledgements

Written and developed by: Claire McGhee, Ellie Barker, Rob Parker, Josh Carron

Thank you to media teams at AtkinsRéalis and the University of Glasgow for contributing footage used in this video.