Offshore wind power refers to the generation of electricity from wind turbines installed in bodies of water, typically on continental shelves. Compared with onshore wind, offshore locations usually experience stronger and more consistent winds, which allows turbines to generate more electricity and achieve higher capacity factors. This makes offshore wind an increasingly important part of the global energy transition, especially in countries with limited land area but extensive coastlines.Modern offshore wind farms consist of large turbines mounted on foundations fixed to the seabed in shallow to medium water depths, or on floating platforms in deeper waters. Fixed-bottom foundations, such as monopiles and jackets, are well established and widely used in water depths up to around 50–60 meters. Floating technologies, including semi-submersible and spar-type platforms, are now being developed and deployed to unlock deeper sites farther from shore. These floating solutions expand the technically available resource and make it possible to harness strong wind regimes over deep ocean areas.A typical offshore wind project requires several key components and systems. In addition to turbines and foundations, subsea cables collect power within the wind farm and deliver it to an offshore substation. From there, high‑voltage export cables transmit electricity to onshore grid connection points. The design must consider not only energy yield but also installation feasibility, operation and maintenance strategies, and the specific environmental conditions, such as waves, currents, and extreme storms.The development process for an offshore wind project is complex and often spans many years. It generally involves site identification and screening, wind resource assessment, environmental impact studies, geophysical and geotechnical surveys, and extensive stakeholder consultation, including engagement with fisheries, shipping, and coastal communities. Permitting frameworks differ between countries, but most involve marine spatial planning and competitive allocation of seabed rights or development zones.Economically, offshore wind has become far more competitive over the past decade due to technological advances, larger turbines, improved installation methods, and economies of scale. Turbine ratings now exceed 15 megawatts per unit, with rotor diameters larger than the wingspan of wide‑body aircraft. These increases enable more power to be generated with fewer units, reducing both capital and operating costs per megawatt-hour. At the same time, standardization and industrialization across manufacturing, installation vessels, and grid integration have contributed to falling costs.Offshore wind also plays a strategic role in decarbonization pathways. It produces electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions and can complement other variable renewables by providing high output during seasons or times of day when solar production is low. In some regions, offshore wind is being considered as a source for green hydrogen production via electrolysis, especially where grid connection capacity is limited or industrial demand for low‑carbon fuels is strong.Nevertheless, offshore wind faces challenges. These include high upfront investment, complex supply chains, exposure to marine weather during construction and maintenance, and potential impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal landscapes. Careful planning, robust environmental monitoring, technological innovation, and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to address these issues. As technology matures and more projects are deployed, offshore wind is expected to become one of the central pillars of a resilient, low‑carbon global energy system.