Albatross know this. So do fulmars and manx shearwaters. There is abundant energy offshore. The winds that carry these birds on their often epic journeys are a free, huge and above all limitless supply of power. And this is not only available to the birds, with the right planning, design and investment, its available to us as well
A report published recently by the Offshore Valuation Group clearly defined the potential. In its 108 pages it concluded that by 2050 if we harness just 29% of the available resource at sea the UK could meet produce power equivalent to North Sea oil and gas production and become a net exporter of electricity. That’s a staggering claim, and indeed exceeded the authors own expectations.
Just imagine it. A limitless supply of power equivalent to 1 billion barrels of oil a year, for ever. Its the sort of ambition that makes you want to drop everything, throw yourself into renewable energy system design and save the world.
But of course, one does need to temper such youthful dreaming. If only it were as easy to achieve as it is to imagine. And is it achievable? And what are the risks?
What we are talking about here is the generation of power through a combination of huge offshore windfarms and, where practical, the harnessing of tidal power. The first question of course is – do we have the skills and technology to do this. The answer here must be a resounding yes. Perhaps inadvertently one of the good things to come out of our experience extracting oil is the ability to build huge structures in hostile marine environments. The second question is a little more involved.
If you live right next to a windy place, then wind power is just fine. But if you don’t must you be denied a share in this free and abundant resource? The answer is probably no. But its going to take some thought and huge investment. The efficient distribution of power, of electricity, is one of the key issues that renewable energy has to overcome if it’s to succeed. Otherwise those that don’t have wind and tidal power will be required to maintain their dependence on fossil fuels, with all its consequences.
What is being proposed is a European SuperGrid for the efficient transfer of power. Using the most advanced technologies available it should be possible to move electricity from the Atlantic to mainland Europe without huge efficiency loss. But it’s going to take inventiveness and investment.
So, harnessing offshore wind is undoubtedly achievable, with the proper funding and engineering. But what of the risks? What are the environmental consequences of such developments?
In June 2005 a consortium of wind farm developers (London Array Ltd) submitted applications for a flagship offshore wind farm in the greater Thames Estuary. The proposal included c.271 turbines, with a generating capacity of one gigawatt – enough to power 750,000 homes in London. Once developed, the wind farm will be the biggest in the world.
The developers had worked constructively with the RSPB and others throughout their pre-application studies. During the baseline surveys for their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the developers identified a previously unknown internationally important population of wintering red-throated divers, both in the proposed development site and in the Thames estuary as a whole. This newly identified population more than doubled the previous wintering red throated diver population estimates for the UK. Because of the likely disturbance impacts of the wind farm upon the red throated divers, the RSPB initially objected to the proposal.
However, following further successful negotiations, London Array Ltd agreed to limit the number of turbines that can be initially constructed to 175. This number of turbines will not adversely affect the wintering red-throated diver population of the estuary. Once built, the developer will monitor the effect of these turbines on the red-throated divers. Only if the impacts are considered to be acceptable in the Environmental Impact Assessment, will any further turbines be allowed.
Permission has now been granted for the offshore development. A Special Protection Area (SPA) is also likely to be designated for the wintering red-throated divers in the greater Thames Estuary.
This case shows how early and continuing consultation and negotiation by a developer, both willing to listen to concerns and act on them, can lead to a positive outcome for nature and for renewable energy.
And with forthcoming wind farms proposed around the south west, off the Dorset coast and in North Devon, it is this approach we will adopt; we will consult and work with the companies involved from the outset to get the best outcome for both wildlife and renewable energy generation.