Generally, a turbine in a land-based wind power station provides energy for around 35 years. With current technology, offshore wind power stations are expected to have a lifespan of 20–25 years after start of operations. However, the rapid technological development within wind power solutions will most likely prolong their life span, along with the number of years that wind parks supply energy. Due to tougher conditions out at sea, experts believe that the life span may thus reach 30 years or perhaps even longer.
An interesting aspect of offshore wind (OSW) in the sea north of Åland is that the seawater is brackish (a mix of salty and fresh water) and therefore less corrosive, since metal is corroded by salt. This is a unique characteristic of OSW in our waters.
On the other hand, our waters also pose the risk of tough ice conditions that one must be prepared for.