New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
How deep can FLOW go?
2/6/2026
8 min read
Feature
Early projects have demonstrated the potential of floating offshore wind (FLOW). The focus is now shifting towards the engineering, infrastructure and commercial challenges involved in deploying the technology at scale. Selwyn Parker reports.
Floating offshore wind is pushing into waters that would once have been considered inaccessible for large-scale renewable energy projects. As developers seek stronger wind resources, larger deployment areas and fewer constraints close to shore, projects are being planned in increasingly challenging marine environments.
The opportunity is substantial. Industry experts estimate that around 80% of the world’s offshore wind resource potential lies in waters deeper than 60 metres, beyond the practical limits of many conventional fixed-bottom turbines. Floating platforms offer a way to access those resources, potentially transforming offshore wind development in regions ranging from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, Japan and parts of the US.
Yet every increase in water depth creates new challenges. Turbines must remain stable in rough seas, mooring systems must withstand decades of exposure to waves and storms, and subsea infrastructure must operate reliably in increasingly complex environments. As projects grow in scale and move further offshore, developers are testing the limits of both technology and project economics.