U.S. and UK team for ambitious offshore wind energy project

Offshore wind farm could be the largest in the Atlantic Ocean

The United States and United Kingdom are to join forces to develop a new wind energy projects in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu is expected reveal more information regarding the partnership along with Edward Davey, Secretary of the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change. The partnership will be one of the largest collaboration on wind energy in the world and is likely to produce the largest offshore wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean. The collaboration is part of each country’s continued interest in alternative energy.

Interest in wind energy continues to grow

Both the U.S. and the UK have grown more interested in wind energy in recent years. Both countries have been working to develop wind energy systems in the hopes of transitioning away from oil and other fossil-fuels. Offshore wind farms have become a serious focus for the questions because of the high winds found at sea. These winds could produce significant amounts of electricity, which could be used to provide power to thousands of people in both countries.

Floating wind turbines to be used with the project

Information regarding the project is scarce, but the offshore wind farm is expected to employ floating wind turbines. Traditional wind turbines are anchored to the ocean floor, but this presents a problem considering the often unpredictable nature of wind. Floating turbines are able to move to face the strongest currents of wind, which makes them more capable of generating electricity. These turbines also do not require drilling into the ocean floor, which can disturb the ecosystem of a given area.

Cost of the project may present complications

Secretary Edward Davey notes that the turbines to be used in the project will have the ability to seek out locations where wind energy is most promising. These turbines will not sacrifice stability for the sake of mobility, however, a fact which Davey hopes makes them viable energy systems. There are concerns regarding the costs of the project, which may put its future in question, but both the U.S. and the UK believe that the project will not be met with any significant problems.