Non-EU Countries Take Pace in Offshore Wind

Offshore wind power is evolving in non-EU countries, what has not been the case just before couple of years, the Digitimes Research says.

Offshore wind development in the U.S.,Japan and South Korea is taking its pace. The Cape Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts, U.S.has been approved after years of waiting.

Japan is shifting to renewables after the Fukushima disaster and the country is setting up offshore wind test sites and will develop floating offshore wind technology. Also, the Japanese Government implemented a feed-in-tariff for wind power and other renewables.

South Korea is cooperating with the UK on developing its own offshore wind energy, while Jeju Island recently became the first South Korean location where an offshore wind farm will be built.

This will take the title from Europe being the main market for offshore wind systems, more than half of which is in the UK.

High cost of developing offshore wind power is still an obstacle, but in 2016 projects are set to be developed in non-EU countries.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND Staff, November 15, 2012; Image: Bard Offshore