A new report by the joint Government-industry Floating Offshore Wind Taskforce highlights the potential of floating wind energy in the UK. The report states that the floating wind industry could employ 97,000 people by 2050, particularly in Scottish and Welsh ports, and contribute £47 billion to the economy.
By 2050, floating turbines could provide a third of the UK’s offshore wind capacity with 40 GW operational, which would be enough to power all homes in the country.
The costs of building floating projects could decrease by 30% by 2030 to under £100 per megawatt hour. The UK already has two operating floating wind farms and a large project pipeline with seabed leases for up to 24 GW of capacity.
However, the report warns that a lack of suitable ports and competition from European suppliers could hinder the UK's full economic potential in floating wind. It suggests focusing on high-value supply chain components like platforms, cables, moorings, and anchors, along with innovation and standardisation, to help reduce costs and drive industry growth.
