http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/uk-losing-out-on-offshore-wind-potential-to-eu-turbine-suppliers-says-rolls-royce.html

The UK has the potential to build one of the great offshore wind industries anywhere in the world but its domestic industry is loosing out to European suppliers, an industry expert said.

Adam Morton, head of low carbon technologies at Rolls Royce, said university research is vital to the ongoing development of the sector but more focus should be placed on ensuring the growth of a domestic industry.
‘The UK has one of the greatest potentials for offshore wind anywhere in Europe, anywhere in the world,’ Morton said while speaking at an alternative energy event in London earlier this week.
‘But most of the turbine suppliers are located in Europe.’
He said more component failures in the turbines and auxillary systems have occurred since the wind farms have begun to be located in greater depths further out to sea.
‘University research, such is happening at Strathclyde in Scotland, is likely to be vital to the adoption of wind farms further offshore, in deeper water.’
‘Maintenance has become considerably more difficult.’
The UK coalition government’s recent spending review has upheld the previous administration’s commitment to update and enlarge the port infrastructure around the UK, which is likely to encourage more suppliers to be based on the UK.
The government has, however, pulled back from committing capital to a tidal energy project in the Severn Esturary, which is a decision that will not be reviewed until 2015.