After rapid growth in recent years, offshore wind is now an important part of the global energy mix. In some markets like the UK, it accounts for almost 20% of all electricity generation. However, nearly 80% of the world’s offshore wind resource lies in deep waters. Fixed-bottom foundations – which account for the vast majority of offshore wind currently – are simply not practical at such depths.

Floating offshore wind (FLOW) is the key to accessing these vast resources. Indeed, according to the International Energy Agency, FLOW could account for around 20% of all new wind energy additions between 2021 and 2050. But in order to take its rightful place in the global energy mix, FLOW must prove that it can scale rapidly and drive down the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) at the same time. Beyond promising prototypes, the challenge now is to move towards mass production, efficient installation and reliable operation, just as fixed-bottom offshore wind did a decade ago.

Unlocking this potential will allow us to tap into the planet’s most powerful winds, providing vast amounts of clean and secure energy.

In order to take its rightful place in the global energy mix, FLOW must prove that it can scale rapidly and drive down the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), at the same time.

New technologies unlock floating
The technologies now emerging are designed to meet these real-world challenges of scale, cost and manufacturability, including in particular modern floating platforms.

Modern floating platforms need to be engineered to work seamlessly with the newest turbine designs. The most promising solutions use a centre-mounted configuration, which enables the nacelle to rotate with the wind while the platform remains stable. This approach allows for optimal alignment with wind direction, minimises stress on the structure, and meets industry standards for acceleration and safety.

These designs are scalable, capable of handling turbines up to 15 MW and beyond, even under harsh meteorological conditions. That kind of flexibility is crucial for long-term commercial success.

But building better technology is only half the battle. Another huge area of opportunity lies in how we manufacture and deploy these platforms. To make floating wind competitive, we must move from custom-built prototypes to mass-produced, standardised units. Componentised designs that can be fabricated in large numbers, potentially thousands, will drive down costs through economies of scale. Modular parts that can be easily transported and assembled near project sites will also make logistics far more efficient.

The ability to assemble platforms locally is another major advantage. Next-generation systems are designed with a low draft, enabling them to be constructed and launched in existing ports without the need for major infrastructure upgrades. Quick assembly reduces port time and laydown requirements, helping developers streamline operations and bring projects online faster. Each reduction in construction time directly improves the project’s economic viability.

Installation at sea is another area where innovation is making a difference. Floating platforms need to be stable during towing, allowing them to be moved safely through a wide window of challenging weather conditions. Anchors can be pre-laid on site, and connection systems have been simplified to allow for rapid hook-up. These features make it possible to complete installation within tight weather windows, reducing the costly delays that have long been a challenge for offshore projects.

Once operational, maintenance strategies must ensure long-term performance without increasing costs. The new generation of platforms eliminates the need for complex active ballasting systems, relying instead on passive stability that minimises maintenance requirements. When more significant servicing is required, platforms can be disconnected and towed back to port, a process that ensures safety, reduces downtime and avoids the high costs of offshore repair work.

Material choice is also shaping the industry’s future. Steel platforms, for example, are showing real promise thanks to their potential for a low-carbon footprint, adaptability and ability to be mass-manufactured. Steel construction allows for continual refinement of designs, improving efficiency and cutting costs with each production cycle. This makes it possible to iterate quickly, applying lessons learned from each project to enhance performance and sustainability.

Standardised, modular, scalable
All these advances show that the journey towards cost-competitive FLOW will be driven by technology that is standardised, modular and scalable. When combined with smarter manufacturing, efficient deployment and clear policy support, these innovations will transform floating wind from a promising concept into a cornerstone of global decarbonisation and clean energy.

In just a few years, this sector has evolved from experimental prototypes to a credible industrial force, but its true potential is only beginning to surface. The same process that transformed fixed-bottom offshore wind from an expensive experiment into one of the world’s leading renewable industries is now being replayed, this time in deeper waters.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

• Further reading: ‘FLOW is the way to go’. Asia is ripe for the development of deepwater offshore wind – but hurdles lie in the way, reports Selwyn Parker. First, he looks at the challenges to be addressed by Taiwan’s renewable energy ambitions, then at the opportunities for some other Asia-Pacific nations.
• Faced with a dynamic motion environment, floating offshore wind turbines experience technical and operational challenges that differ significantly from static offshore oil and gas structures. Find out what the new Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult research centre in Aberdeen is doing to improve our understanding of these issues. Also read about the guides and standards that Energy Institute partner G+, in collaboration with leading international operators and OEMs, is developing to help make floating offshore wind safer.