Wind Co–operation Needed to Reduce Costs

The Carbon Trust and the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) have today called on wind energy firms to co-operate to help drive down the cost of offshore wind power.

The two government backed bodies have announced they are to invest £40m in offshore wind research and development (R&D) projects and are urging companies with experience in offshore wind technology and processes – including firms with relevant offshore experience such as oil and gas companies – to join the initiative.

The Carbon Trust said the scheme is expected to result in a small number of major R&D and demonstration projects designed to improve the cost and speed of deployment of offshore wind turbines.

"Offshore wind represents one of our best shots for delivering vast amounts of carbon-free power over the coming years and also represents a huge economic opportunity for UK plc," said Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust.

"However, to make this a reality, and the UK a world leader, we must focus on the number one issue of reducing the current costs of the technology."