SUSTAINABILITY
MacClaren says the issue is that specialised materials are required to make the turbine blades , and adds that the logistics of transporting the blades – which can be as long as a football field – is also hugely challenging .
“ Then you have to construct something in the middle of the ocean , which requires special ports and harbours ,” she says , adding : “ There ’ s also a lot of uncertainty about the scope of such a supply chain and the development time-frames needed to build these critical resources .”
MacClaren also cites as complicating factors the level of investment required , that there are “ gaps in manufacturing ” and that “ ports and vessels remain uncertain ”.
Regulation is another sticking point , she says .
“ It ’ s not just regulations from the federal government , but also from myriad local municipalities that have a say ,” she explains . “ This can impede production , which adds risk and impacts the investment needed to bring these projects to fruition .”
She adds : “ You ’ ve got to break down those barriers . You ’ ve got to get all these organisations working together .”
MacClaren stresses that technology can help , from a design , procurement ,
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