Floating Turbines Appear To Be More Economical
Although they are more complicated and have higher initial expenses, floating wind turbines are more economically efficient. A new study called Project Deepwater released by the ETI, Energy Technologies Institute, shows that because they are more able to access consistent, stronger winds, floating turbines are better in the long term.
“The traditional view is that the cost of offshore wind becomes increasingly expensive as turbines are located in deeper water, due to the additional costs of supporting traditional turbine structures,” said ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke.
“The cost of foundations does get more expensive as you go into deeper water, but the wind speeds in much of the UK’s deep water are significantly stronger and more consistent, which results in a more reliable and higher energy output. Over time, this more than outweighs the additional foundation costs and gives an overall lower cost of energy.”
Two more studies concerning the feasibility of floating wind turbines are currently being conducted. One study, the Helm Wind Project, is looking at the viability of making some changes to the basic design of offshore farms. The other study, the Nova Project, will be looking at the potential of using vertical axis wind turbines.
Offshore wind power may get a big boost from the studies being conducted in the UK. After the studies are concluded, the ETI may look at ways to fund demonstration projects. It is hoped that soon focus will shift from offshore drilling and become more focused on clean energy efforts.