Google and Microsoft are looking at possible investments in offshore wind farms in Britain, as part of their strategy to “green” their electricity use, a leading adviser to the energy industry has said.

Interest from large multinationals and other investors new to the offshore wind business is holding out a lifeline for an industry hit by a collapse in traditional sources of finance.

John Lynch, the head of power for Europe at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said he “would not be surprised” if information technology companies keen to cut their carbon dioxide emissions were to invest in European offshore wind “in the not too distant future”.

Google and Microsoft both refused to comment on possible future investment plans, but a commitment to offshore wind would fit with their strategies to reduce the cost and environmental impact of their electricity consumption.

Google has invested tens of millions of dollars into renewable energy research in the US. Microsoft has been taking steps to cut its power consumption, for example by siting its new European “mega data centre” in Dublin, taking advantage of the cold climate to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.

Dominic Maclaine of New Power, an industry journal, said: “Data centre servers have significant power needs, and it is understandable that internet firms are increasingly keen to ensure that the power they buy is seen to be 'green'.”

A huge expansion of offshore wind power will be essential if the government is to hit its target of generating about 30 per cent of Britain's electricity from renewable sources, but the financial crisis has raised doubts about whether developers will be able to raise the estimated £100bn of investment.