Try as I do, it seems impossible to get the simple message across that, in the case of a wind turbine, bigger is more expensive per m^2 of weather faced. For those just out of bed, this is because we want Area, but we must Pay for Volume, and, strange as this may seem, early in the morning, the two are not the same. That is why they have different names.
Now when it comes to Alternators - those unmentionable, unfashionable parts that every "turbine" must be coupled-to in order to send any energy extracted from the wind, to somewhere else for use - draw breath - it so happens that One big one to replace 4 of 1/4 the thro'put costs only about Half as much as the 4.
So, the total cost T+A depends upon what physical Size of Turbine-Alternator Device is deployed. We can have, for instance, 128 of D metres diameter, or 32 of 2D metres diameter, or 8 of 4D metres diameter, and so on. The cost in each case will not be the same, but the Area of weather faced, will be the same.
The cost is least for diameters where the T costs about the same as the A. This occurs at the very convenient size of around One metre diameter. Just under this and the required coupling gear-ratio becomes 1:1.
But why let a silly little "Arguement" like that get in the way of your super green furry "eco-friendly" BUSINESS !!

Its an offshore turbine so the operation and maintenance costs are very important. Replacing one gearbox as against 4 x gearboxes, etc.

Very interestting...yawn ...yes just out of bed. Look on the bright side - it brings badly needed jobs to the North East and will cut our reliance on fossil fuel.

A few questions here!
Why is the government investing in a new company ? Why did they not invest in the company that had to shut down on the Ise of Wight, they were already setup to manufacture blades, with the skills and know already in place?
Why is the government investing in an American company and not in a British or European company?
Has this been thought out, and a full life cycle cost analysis been completed with regard the economy of scale? Has the local Engineering community been consulted or is Miliband trying to make points at the expense everybody else [Tax payer]?

With regards to Newcastle and The Isle of Wight -- Newcastle has agreed to wind turbines but Isle of Wight has taken a real Nimby attitude. No wonder Vestas pulled out. People must realise that each zone has to produce electricity. if the Isle of Wight continues to refuse to produce any electricity can we not simply cut off supply during periods of shortage Malcolm M