UK: Tidal Power Might Overshadow Offshore Wind

The offshore wind industry has faced fears that its technology could be overshadowed by other forms of renewable energy generation such as tidal power, says a report by PWC.

A survey was conducted about technological breakthroughs and their influence on offshore wind power over the next 20 years, and it showed that 63% of respondents believe there is a medium chance that offshore wind could be eclipsed by other technologies.

Government respondents were largely optimistic about the effect of technological change on the offshore wind economics.

PWC commented: “The coming few years will be make or break time in deciding whether offshore wind will be able to get on track to prove its place as a source of large-scale generation.

“Ultimately it needs to show it can reach efficiencies and cost levels near enough to onshore installations to make it competitive in the energy mix.”

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 20, 2012