Applying a special protective coating to prevent ice from adhering to surfaces – a simple, compelling idea. Drivers wouldn’t have to scrape ice from their windscreens in the morning, aircraft wouldn’t have to be de-iced with noxious chemicals, and wind turbines would keep their optimised shape…

The idea is certainly appealing. Instead of installing offshore wind turbines on huge, complex and expensive tripods, simple steel cylinders could be used in the future. These foundations are called monopiles – and they are far cheaper than jacket or tripod foundations. But why have turbine…