Wind power is often described as relying on "mature technology" and, in many contexts, that's correct. Today, well-sited wind farms in the US and EU generate electricity at a lower cost than coal.
But there remain numerous difficulties with the way we build wind turbines, which raise the price of the turbines, which in turn determines where they can profitably go. High turbine costs mean that, unless the wind at a site is quite strong, there are typically better ways to spend money.
Fortunately, while wind is mature technology, it hasn't reached an evolutionary dead end. Plenty of incremental changes can make wind even more affordable—and in many cases, the necessary technology is already being tested.
These turbines could make up energy deficits caused by intermittent wind on the surface.
There’s no better place than the ocean to generate emissions-free power. Why did it take America so long?
'Why did it take America so long?'
I've see so many articles from all over the US where wind farms on the coast are proposed. The response is usually 'but my view of the ocean, complaints from fisherman etc
Like the article says its all about finding that spot on the coast that no one really cares about - I mean the coasts of America go on forever - ideal spots shouldn't be too hard to find.
The Scottish government has granted consent for the world’s largest floating offshore windfarm to be developed off the coast of Peterhead.
