Floating wind turbines catch stronger, more consistent winds when situated deeper into the seas, an English company's feasibility study has determined.

The Energy Technologies Institute's Project Deepwater determined that the initial costs pertaining to establishing foundations for floating turbines is a worthwhile investment – though more complicated and more expensive – because these costs are offset by gusts that are dependable and deliver higher energy because they are stronger and more deliberate, Reuters reports.

"The cost of foundations does get more expensive as you go into deeper water, but the wind speeds in much of the UK's deep water are significantly stronger and more consistent, which results in a more reliable and higher energy output," ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke said. "Over time, this more than outweighs the additional foundation costs and gives an overall lower cost of energy."

The status of renewable energy generated by offshore winds likely will be boosted as a result of this study demonstrating floating wind turbines are technically and economically sound. Two additional studies, also underway in the United Kingdom, should contribute to this energy source's growing stature.

One study is probing whether offshore wind turbines with vertical axes have potential and the second is looking into whether re-designing offshore wind farms is worthwhile.