In 2016, the UK generated more electricity from wind power than from coal. The wind farms are getting bigger, the turbines are getting larger, and they are moving further out to sea. New floating turbines are opening up more locations for wind farms out at sea. Currently, traditional turbines can only stand in 60m of water; these creations will be able to stand in much deeper waters.
Wind turbines are also increasing in size, from a rotor diameter of 76m to a staggering rotor diameter of 164m and a turbine capacity of 8MW. Turbine capacity, which is the average power generated, divided by the rated peak power has increased over the past 17 years, from 2MW to 8MW. The total height of wind turbines are getting taller. In 2000, they stood at 102 meters in height, they now stand at a towering 195m in height.
Although still relatively expensive, as technology advances, expertise grows and infrastructure improves, the cost of offshore wind farms are predicted to fall. The industry has enormous potential. Find out why investment in offshore wind is booming below in a new infographic produced by RS Components.
