Team to study offshore wind farms

Scientists from Durham University are heading a £2.5m research project into wind energy for the future.

Engineers are leading a team in the project to investigate how to improve the cost-effectiveness of large scale wind turbine systems in the UK.

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), it is part of a larger £40m scheme into the best ways to generate electricity.

The Durham team are focussing on how to best use offshore wind farms.

Prof Peter Tavner, of Durham University's school of engineering, said: "While many are familiar with the idea of wind power it still contributes a relatively small amount to UK's overall energy needs, partly because it can be difficult to agree sites for wind turbines on land.

Engineering solutions

"The offshore wind resource is much larger, but the costs of building and maintaining offshore wind turbines are currently seen as high.

"Over the next four years we are going to look at engineering solutions that could create large-scale wind turbine systems that are both cost-effective and reliable and could generate a significant proportion of the UK's energy needs."

British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) figures show that only four offshore wind farms are currently in operation.

Though output can be higher per turbine and wind more consistent, construction costs are also higher and grid connection is a bigger issue.