Where the wind blows: Offshore wind farms have grown from a technological novelty to a substantial source of clean energy, The challenge now is to drive down costs

摘要

The UK has been the world leader in offshore wind since October 2008, with as much capacity already installed as the rest of the world combined. The UK has reached this position mostly thanks to a confluence of favourable geographic factors: primarily shallow seas and strong winds. Today more than 1,000 turbines have been installed in the country's waters. Technologies are developing fast and costs are coming down, making renewables a truly commercial option. As the industry matures, the UK will be well placed to meet its target of 30% renewable energy by 2020. This will reduce the risks associated with climate change and will lessen dependence on energy imports, particularly gas from Putin's Russia, and thus bolster domestic energy security.