UK UNFURLS

Britain Could Be Wind and Wave Titan
James Kanter, July 3, 2009 (NY Times)

"Britain could become the largest producer of electricity from offshore wind by the end of the next decade, according to the Carbon Trust, a group funded by the British government.

"With carefully targeted subsidies and regulations, Britain could build 29 gigawatts of capacity compared to a global total of 66 gigawatts by 2020, giving it 45 percent of the offshore power market, said the Carbon Trust. By comparison, Germany would have 12 gigawatts by 2020…"

Britain has already begun exploiting its remarkable offshore wind assets. (click to enlarge)

"[Carbon Trust] also noted that a quarter of all wave power technologies are being developed in Britain and that the country ‘could be the “natural owner” of the global wave power market’ this century.

"Britain could generate up to $114 billion for the economy and almost 250,000 jobs from offshore wind and wave power…"

It may have even bigger wave energy assets. (click to enlarge)

"David McVeigh, an executive from a heavy industries division of Harland and Wolff, the company that built vast passenger liners including Titanic before the decline of British shipbuilding over the last century, said he could ‘recognize a great opportunity’ in marine power…

"Even so marine environments are notoriously harsh and have posed additional challenges for renewable power developers such as how to prevent corrosion and conduct repairs efficiently."