They're about to install an experimental one off the coast of Norway, we got involved in bidding for the installation work. Ultimately they would be installed in blocks of 50 turbines.

During the Risk Analysis and HAZID someone asked the question if an environmental impact study or evaluation had been made as these were going to be installed in deep water - nobody knew.

The same person then asked what the carbon footprint of this experimental wind turbine was - nobody knew.

With its three 140 tonne suction anchors; three 800metres of 120mm anchor chain; 154m floating cylindrical concrete base structure and 100m steel tower, wind generator, nacelle and blades, the man who raised the question ventured that its carbon footprint to construct the required components let alone what it would take to install would mean that this turbine would never produce enough power to wipe its slate clean and that the most environmentally friendly thing to do would be to not bother building it.

Different kettle of fish of course if the thing is actually sitting on the seabed, as they are off Holland and Denmark.