The introduction of wind turbines in offshore locations has been hailed as a major step toward sustainable energy. However, a closer examination reveals several significant drawbacks that question their widespread adoption. First, offshore wind farms pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. The construction and operation of turbines generate underwater noise that disrupts the communication and navigation of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, which rely on echolocation. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to strandings and population declines. Second, the economic costs are prohibitive. Building and maintaining turbines in deep water require specialized vessels and equipment, and the harsh saltwater environment accelerates corrosion, leading to frequent repairs. These expenses often make offshore wind energy far more expensive than onshore alternatives or fossil fuels, without a corresponding increase in energy output. Third, offshore wind farms create navigational hazards for shipping lanes. Dense arrays of turbines reduce the available space for large vessels, increasing the risk of collisions and making emergency maneuvers difficult. In busy areas like the North Sea, this has already led to rerouting of commercial traffic, causing delays and economic losses. For these reasons, the rush to offshore wind should be reconsidered in favor of more reliable and less harmful energy sources.
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The reading presents a pessimistic view of offshore wind, but its claims are not supported by the latest evidence. Regarding marine life, modern engineering has developed mitigation measures. Turbine foundations now often use bubble curtains during construction, which absorb sound and reduce noise levels to near-ambient. Moreover, studies from operational farms in Europe show that fish populations actually increase around turbines, as they act as artificial reefs, providing shelter and food. Thus, the net effect can be positive for biodiversity. On the cost issue, the reading ignores the dramatic decline in offshore wind prices over the past decade. Technological advances, such as floating turbines and improved corrosion-resistant materials, have cut costs by over 60%. For example, recent projects in the UK and Denmark produce electricity at prices comparable to or even lower than new onshore wind or solar farms. Additionally, the higher capacity factors offshore—due to stronger and more consistent winds—mean more energy per installed megawatt, compensating for initial investments. Finally, the navigational hazard claim is outdated. Wind farms are planned in coordination with maritime authorities, and modern radar systems can detect turbines easily. In fact, many farms are placed away from major shipping lanes, and some designs incorporate corridors for vessels. The North Sea example actually shows that rerouting has been minimal and has not caused significant economic disruption. Therefore, the perceived drawbacks are manageable, and offshore wind remains a viable and increasingly attractive energy source.
📝 작문 지시 Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific points made in the reading passage.
📊 TOEFL Integrated Writing Rubric
Content Accuracy: Accurately capture the relationship between lecture and reading
Information Completeness: Cover all key counter-arguments from the lecture
Structure & Coherence: Logical organization and progression
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, expression accuracy
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-5, scaled to 30).
