Offshore wind 'is more attractive to energy suppliers' - 05/04/2011

The major energy suppliers are turning to offshore wind projects rather than pursuing onshore opportunities, an industry expert has noted.

Writing for Business Green, Richard Crosbie Dawson, managing director of renewables investment specialist FIM Services, said the Big Six are more likely to favour "big ticket" projects such as the Thanet or London Array offshore wind farms.

Indeed, there is growing evidence that energy providers are starting to perceive onshore as "uneconomic due to capital constraints", he suggested.

However, that is not the case for smaller or individual investors.

"For individuals looking to invest in green energy, the most attractive investment opportunities over the next decade will come courtesy of small-scale onshore wind farms in the 10MW to 25MW range," Mr Crosbie Dawson said.

"This is a much less crowded marketplace with plenty of untapped opportunities for the canny investor."

Small onshore projects represent a long-term, low-risk investment which could produce significant returns, he added.

Meanwhile, research from npower shows 45 per cent of businesses want the Carbon Reduction Commitment scrapped after the government removed financial incentives from the scheme.

If you want to find out more about switching energy suppliers and how you could save up to £468 in minutes, click here.

Share this story with your friends:-