Deep water wind turbines 'could be economically viable' - 11/10/2010
Customers could feasibly receive cheap energy derived from deep water floating wind turbines, a study has found.
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI)-backed research revealed that the high cost of installing floating wind turbines would be offset by their ability to access faster wind speeds in the UK's deep water, which are "significantly stronger and more consistent", resulting in a "more reliable and higher energy output".
ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke argued that the study has identified possible deep-water sites for floating wind turbines and found that there is "huge global potential" for such technology, which might lead to the access of cheap energy for more consumers.
Current offshore wind farms usually require fixed platforms that are unsuitable for use in deeper water but the research suggests that floating turbines could provide a viable alternative for existing technology.
The news comes as a group of businesses, politicians and environmental groups submit a letter to chancellor George Osborne to urge him to reconsider any potential spending cuts to green energy investment.
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