Related to that question, are their optimal sizes for off shore and onshore turbine designs taking into account the costs and engineering/logistical challenges, or are we going to see an ongoing trend towards giantism?

I would have thought onshore designs might be more economic if produced from mass produced components capable of being transported by reasonably standard road vehicles - e.g. Max dimensions c. 15X3X5M and max weight c. 50 Tonnes per component?  Is there a point at which bigger becomes more expensive per unit out put?

What are the estimated lifespans of these major components - given sea water corrosion, storm damage, wear and tear etc. - do they degrade beyond maintenance at some point?  If they do, we will have a significant decommissioning cost and a significant carbon footprint over their lifespan.  Do we know what this is compared to other power sources?

notes from no w here