Disused pipelines that once carried oil from offshore rigs can be converted
to carry electricity cables. Boreas Consultants of Aberdeen says that converting
the pipelines will allow old oil platforms to have a new life as wind farms (GB
2356679). The pipes would provide a strong casing to protect smaller pipes,
fibre-optic lines and high-voltage power cables. Small submersible “tractors”
will pull a bundle of pipes and cables through the old pipes. The tractors would
draw their power from the cables they are pulling.
Technology
Wind from oil
By Barry Fox
18 August 2001
