Conclusion
Our comparative analysis on offshore and onshore wind farms has shown that offshore sites for wind farm construction are more lucrative than onshore sites in British Columbia based on greater and more consistent wind resource. Although they are not as practical and are estimated to be quite costly, offshore wind farms generate the most wind potential to harness energy. Our analysis has exhibited that two pronounced ocean wind power hot spots. These locations include the Haida Energy Field and the regions in between The Hectate Strait and Strait of Georgia. Onshore wind farms are also a viable option for power generation in British Columbia; however, they do not generate as much energy as offshore farms. Onshore wind farms can incorporate elevation to boost wind speed and are easier to construct and maintain. There are three potential onshore sites north-eastern, north-western, and coastal British Columbia. These regions indicate the highest multi-criteria evaluation percentages which have deemed them suitable areas. In addition, offshore winds farms are more applicable to British Columbia based on the amount of are adequate are for a wind farm. Our offshore analysis has 9800 kilometers squared of available area to place a wind farm, while our onshore analysis only has 7000 kilometers squared. Based on our research it appears that offshore is best to build a wind farm. Therefore, the future of wind power in British Columbia lies in offshore wind farms to compensate our energy need.
