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