With the Horns Rev project it will be possible to determine whether or not the Danish Government’s ambitious energy plan is feasible. According to the plan, wind turbines with a total capacity of 4000 MW must be established in Danish waters before 2030.Sounds good on paper, as do most alternative energy plans, but the engineering and economic feasibility have yet to be proven. I hope it works.
With the Horns Reef project already constructed and operating, the engineering has already been proven, and I'm sure the economics are as well. How much more shallow water space is available for future offshore windfarms remain to be seen - I assume they've already mapped the area and believe it's feasible.
Here in the U.S. the private sector drives the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy projects. The Section 45 productiontax credit is an available "subsidy" but projects still have to be developed, built, owned and operated by the private sector.