Abstract
The island of Jamaica has been exploring energy alternatives in a bid to diversify the energy mix and reduce the cost of energy to the final consumer. Extensive research concentration has been placed on Onshore Wind Farms (OnWF) and potential locations across the island yet these OnWF have been able to supply ~40MW only of the over 600MW of electrical energy the island currently demands. This research carries out preliminary engineering work for an Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) capable of supplying 360MW of energy to the island’s electricity grid. The most suitable location for the OWF in Jamaican waters is presented along with selection of appropriate foundation structure. The impact of waves on the wind turbines is analyzed using models and soil analysis, meteorological and oceanographic data were also collected and utilized. The research presents results using earth station data on the average projected wind speed of 9m/s at the proposed location, prevalent wind direction and grid access. The capacity of each wind turbine proposed for the OWF are factored using international standards. Results are a farm located 7km offshore in 13–25m depth and within 50km grid access.