Taking advantage of transmission expertise in developing offshore wind markets

摘要

It's safe to say Europe has a well-developed offshore wind market. Since installing the first offshore wind farm in 1991, about 55 European countries have invested in this sector. Developers there have also learned lessons in the areas of transmission and grid connection. With new markets emerging, international developers and investors look beyond Europe for offshore wind-energy growth to make good use of their transferable market knowledge - a key to commercial expansion and success. According to a recent report, Tackling Transmission, by U.K.-based consulting firm, A Word About Wind, there are limited opportunities to invest directly in transmission networks in newer markets, such as North America and Asia. However, experienced European firms can offer a wealth of accumulated expertise, knowledge, and valuable intellectual property to U.S. grid developers and operators keen to avoid the early mistakes seen in Europe.