Floating Offshore Wind
Opening up a whole new world of renewables
For us, floating offshore wind combines two technologies that have been proven throughout the world, oil and gas platform technology and wind turbines. This means we can move into deeper waters with higher wind speeds and less visual impact, opening up a whole new world of offshore renewables.
Today’s offshore wind turbines, fixed to the seabed by monopile or jacket foundations, are restricted to waters up to 60 metres deep. Moving further offshore is where floating wind has enormous potential to be a core technology for reaching climate goals.
Floating wind – the next step in offshore renewables
There are currently 4 main types of floating technologies being advanced.
1. Barge
2. Semi-submersible
3. Spar
4. Tension-Leg Platform
Why floating wind?
The International Energy Agency estimates that floating wind turbines could help provide enough electricity to satisfy the world’s electricity needs 11 times over
Untapped wind resources
Almost 80% of the world’s wind resource is in water deeper than 60 metres.
Reduced visual impact
Floating wind is further offshore meaning less visual impacts and reduced conflicts with other marine users.
Fast, consistent wind
It is where windspeeds are faster and more consistent meaning higher capacity factors.
UK energy security
It will provide energy security and could help balance the UKs energy system.
Helping local economies
It is estimated by the ORE Catapult that the first GW of floating wind in the Celtic Sea could potentially deliver over 3,000 jobs and £682m in supply chain opportunities for Wales and Cornwall by 2030. 17,000 UK jobs generating £33.6 billion for the UK economy by 2050.
Net-zero emission targets
Floating wind is critical to meeting the UK’s net-zero emission targets and is needed to deliver on ambitions set by the Climate Change Committee.
Further reading
Independent Reports on Floating Wind
Interested?
If you have any questions about our project or you are looking to work with Blue Gem Wind please get in touch. We have some FAQs that can be viewed here.