Doubts raised over effectiveness of wind power

Doubts have been cast over the role of offshore wind power as a legitimate form of sustainable energy following environmental analysis.

A study dubbed Offshore Proof has been conducted by PwC and it showed that many government bodies are torn over the issue.

While two-thirds expect technological breakthroughs to prove the worth of offshore wind power, around the same number remain sceptical about the process.

This split exists despite major expansion of turbines across the North Sea being seen in recent years.

According to the report, a lack of private investment is proving problematic, as only one in ten potential suitors saw wind power as a more attractive proposition than other alternatives such as nuclear energy.

"The jury is still out on just how far offshore wind power can move down the cost curve," commented PwC renewables and cleantech director Ronan O'Regan.

Despite the mixed feelings towards wind power, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne has said this week that renewables are "absolutely crucial" to the UK's emission reduction targets.

Posted by Joseph Hutton