The world's first floating wind turbine could be generating electricity in 2009.
Norwegian energy group Norsk Hydro and German engineering firm Siemens will jointly develop the new technology in a pact signed today.
Up until now, offshore wind energy turbines were limited to shallow sites installed on the seabed.
The new turbines would solve the 'Not In My Back Yard' problem facing many proposed wind power projects by staying out of sight - and away from bird migration routes.
Under the plan, Hydro will combine its knowledge of floating installations, such as North Sea loading buoys for oil tankers, with Siemens' expertise in building turbines, both on land and standing in shallow waters offshore.
A prototype costing €25m could be in place in the North Sea in 2009 - and a small offshore wind park could be built around 2013-14.
