|
However, growth of offshore wind capacity to date has been much slower than some industry sources anticipated. For example, in 2002 BWEA estimated that 1,350MW capacity would be installed by the end of 2006, whereas the actual figure was 304MW. Today there is only 404MW of offshore wind commissioned around the UK, representing around 0.5% of the country’s electricity supply.
The main restraint to growth has been costs. Capital costs have risen substantially over the last 3-4 years and show no immediate signs of reduction. This is due to several factors including increasing material prices, growth of the global onshore wind market and the buoyancy of upstream oil and gas. These have resticted the ability of offshore wind project developers to progress projects.
Following an in-depth review of the offshore wind industry, involving discussions with many major players, the Carbon Trust is launching the Offshore Wind Accelerator. This is focussed specifically on reducing the costs of offshore wind power by reductions in both capital and operating costs and also increases in generation performance. The Accelerator will involve a set of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities in key areas of wind farm design, construction and operation.
To maximise its impact, the Carbon Trust is allocating up to £10m to the Accelerator and seeking to establish it in collaboration with project developers active in the UK offshore wind industry. In return for providing co-funding, developers will learn directly from the work and also benefit by sharing costs and risks compared to in-house RD&D. Developers interested in becoming involved are now invited to contact the Carbon Trust at offshorewind@carbontrust.co.uk.
|