Windpower. Announcement of new offshore farms.?

Question

It seems the only obstruction to getting on with the job of building windfarms is the world shortage of components. Is it beyond this birthplace of the industrial revolution to develop the necessary facilities to produce our own generators, cables and foundation piles? What an opportunity to rebuild our industrial base and stop being just a service based economy.

Answer 1

infuriating isnt it. we could be world leaders by now with even a tiny bit of investment over last few decades. and the blooming defence people didnt help, delaying applications over the totally spurious radar thing, for which we have had a tech fix for last 2 years. honestly, it makes me think maybe the gov. has been nobbling wind just to make nuclear look better....

as for wave and tidal stream..... grrrr.

at least pelamis are doing well, even if they had to go abroad to get their first contract (portugal)

http://www.pelamiswave.com/

and the first commercial tidal stream turbine just came out of harland and wolff hooray! (sings; we will be ship building...)

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/e...

Answer 2

I agree with all you say in your question.

But is wind power really the way to go?  What about wave power?  Wind is variable but tides are constant, just as night follows day.  We are an island and are surrounded by the sea (obvious) so why not make use of it?  We do have the capability to construct generators to harness the sea.

Why not post a comment on the site below?

Regarding re-building our industrial base - there would have to be a whole change in the way Government and industry relate to this.  Industry would need inducements if they are in invest millions of pounds in capital.

A good debate lurks here.  Best of luck.

Answer 3

I agree with you, let's get our manufacturing industry going again and lead the world. It is something that every country in the world will sooner or later will want to buy from us. Don't let us miss the boat again, and end up having to rely on some foreign power, who will hold us to ransom.