Pathways to low carbon energy transition through multi criteria assessment of offshore wind energy barriers

A decrease in energy resources has motivated nations around the world to shift their focus to low carbon energy transition through renewable sources of energy. Offshore wind farms have emerged as a viable resource due to their many advantages. Wind energy boasts a positive image globally but does possess certain challenges. With this consideration, this study examines the challenges and barriers involved in the implementation of offshore wind energy through multi criteria assessment. Beginning with an examination of the common barriers identified from current literature resources, this study then consults a focus group and analyzes the barriers through a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach known as DEMATEL. This study considers both technical and functional barriers and it offers a particular focus on the developing nation of India, because India's energy demands are significant. The role of employing an Indian context is primarily due to the significant decrease in non-renewable energy resources. Further, developing nations like India are often hampered by the challenges of initial installation of vital clean energy sources. Few existing studies offer empirical case studies for India. Our study finds that a lack of awareness is the most influential barrier, and if that barrier can be eradicated, offshore wind energy systems may contribute to easing India's energy burdens. Hence, this study assists offshore wind engineers in exploring the technology's barriers and limitations and in securing appropriate eradication strategies. Among five different challenge dimensions, this study finds governance (D1) is the key influential dimension and Lack of awareness (B4) is the most influential factor among 25 considered factors. With these results, this study bridges the gap between engineers and top-level management to explain the some of the core issues related to the implementation of offshore wind farms. Finally, this study presents useful insights considering future enhancements and recommendations for an effective implementation of offshore wind farms with the assistance of identified influential barriers for achieving effective low carbon energy alternatives.