Can offshore wind energy lead to a sustainable and secure South China Sea?

This study aims to determine the potential for improving regional cooperation and clean energy generation in the South China Sea (SCS) through Offshore Wind Energy (OWE). The literature review depicts the broad relationship between renewable energy and regional cooperation. The study identifies three variables-great game of geopolitics, geo-economics, and NEO politics- to arrive at a concept of wind-blindness. It refers to the attempt (of the countries involved) to downplay the existing wind resources and avert attention from them to safeguard the region's strategic military importance, existing trade routes, and rich availability of marine resources. Addressing these concerns could strengthen cooperation between the claimant states for technology, knowledge, and practice sharing, to ensure a sustainable South China Sea region. China's investments in OWE in the South China Sea have the potential to meet the Sustainable Development Goals" target of cleaner, accessible, and affordable energy. Finally, the paper suggests that renewable energy development in the region can reduce the maritime transport of fossil fuels, reducing the carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]