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Hornsea Wind Farm Slashes Costs, Boosts UK's Renewable Energy Investment

Giant sequoia-sized blades from Siemens' Hull facility are cutting costs. The UK's investment in offshore wind is now cheaper than new nuclear power.

In this image there are boats and some poles in the water, on the right side of the image there is...
In this image there are boats and some poles in the water, on the right side of the image there is a wooden house, in the background of the image there are trees and mountains, on the mountains there are windmills, at the top of the image there are clouds in the sky.

Hornsea Wind Farm Slashes Costs, Boosts UK's Renewable Energy Investment

The Hornsea offshore wind farm, set to be the world's largest upon completion in 2020, is driving down costs and boosting the UK's investment in renewable energy. The project, based near Hull, England, is seeing a significant drop in offshore wind power costs.

Siemens' Hull facility, producing blades the size of giant sequoia trees, is at the heart of this progress. These blades, crafted almost entirely by hand using balsa wood, fiberglass, and gleaming white paint, are a testament to the advancements in technology. The UK's investment in offshore wind is now reaping global benefits as costs approach those of onshore wind and natural gas-fired power plants.

The Hornsea project has seen bids come in at 57.50 pounds (about $80) per megawatt, half the price agreed for a new nuclear power plant and less than half the price of offshore wind two years ago. This dramatic drop is due to technological improvements and a competitive bidding system for energy subsidies. Hull's port is thriving, with Siemens' Hull facility expected to serve the industry for at least 15 years.

The Hornsea project, with its innovative technology and competitive pricing, is set to transform the global offshore wind industry. The UK's investment in this sector is not only driving down costs but also paving the way for other countries to adopt this clean energy source.

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