Tech & Biz

Floating turbines offers a new approach to offshore wind power

by Erik Larson | September 21, 2008 at 09:34 am

130 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment

Floating wind turbines; cheaper and simpler than turbines fixed to the sea floor. Offshore windfarms take advantage of stronger and more consistent winds, and aren't an eyesore to land-dwelling humans.

Floating in the Mediterranean Sea 12 miles off the coast of southern Italy is a British company's answer to part of America's energy problem.

Blue H's 328-foot-tall wind turbine is different from the offshore generators that have sparked opposition from U.S. coastal residents. Because it sits atop pontoons, this turbine can operate in water farther from shore, where winds are stronger and more reliable — and where it's not visible from land.

"There are stronger winds of a greater quality because they are not affected by contours onshore such as mountains and buildings," said Neal Bastick, Blue H's chief executive, who added that there's also "no negative visual impact."

BLUE H