FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND POWER

ENHANCING MARINE BIODIVERSITY WITH ARTIFICAL REEFS
Research on bottom-fixed offshore wind farms has highlighted several ecological benefits, suggesting that floating wind platforms could offer similar, and potentially greater, advantages for marine ecosystems. Such studies have for instance shown that offshore wind foundations can act as artificial reefs, creating habitats that attract diverse marine species. These structures provide shelter and protection, helping to promote biodiversity in areas where natural reefs may not exist.

MINIMISED SEABED DISRUPTION
A key ecological advantage of floating wind platforms is that they avoid the need for invasive pile driving or drilling, which are often required for bottom-fixed platforms. These techniques, used to anchor bottom-fixed platforms into the seabed, create high-frequency vibrations and noise that can disturb marine mammals like dolphins and whales. Floating platforms, on the other hand, are typically secured with mooring lines or gravity-based anchors, minimising seabed disruption and reducing the impact on sensitive marine environments.

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND SUSTAINABLE FISHING
Moreover, offshore wind farms can serve as marine protected areas, restricting fishing evasive activities like trawling. This limitation on trawling transforms the wind farm zones into safe havens for fish populations. As a result, these areas can become nurseries that help support larger and healthier fish stocks, contributing to more sustainable fishing practices in nearby waters.

The floating wind farm areas can also be leveraged by the fish farming industry, where fish cages can be placed between the floating wind platforms to serve as protected areas. Hexicons joint venture, Freja Offshore, and the Norwegian company Subfarm have started a collaboration to explore the opportunities for co-existence within the Mareld project’s sea area outside Sweden's west coast. A new development project will take a closer look at how electricity production and fisheries can be combined. Click for more info.

Sources: UNECE, 2022 & Bonou et al., 2016

SOLVES THE GROWING DEMAND FOR MORE ENERGY PRODUCTION
Floating offshore wind power is crucial as global energy demand continues to rise, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and increasing electrification. To meet this growing demand sustainably, integrating more energy into the grid is essential.

CRUCIAL FOR MEETING GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the world needs to install around 7,400 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to stay on track for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, in line with climate goals. Offshore wind, including floating platforms, is expected to play a significant role in this transition. Floating offshore wind alone could contribute up to 10% of the total offshore wind capacity by 2030, with projections of around 15-20 GW of floating wind power installed globally by that time.

ENCHANSES GRID STABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Moreover, as floating offshore wind farms can be installed in deeper waters where wind speeds are stronger and more consistent than land-based or shallow water (bottom-fixed) turbines, they offer a consistent wind resource that allows for more predictable energy production, which is beneficial for grid stability.

Additionally, like other wind power technologies, Floating offshore wind power enhances grid flexibility by offering a reliable, adjustable energy source that complements other clean energy options, such as nuclear and solar power. While nuclear plants are designed to operate most efficiently at a constant output, they are less responsive to quick changes in grid demand. Similarly, solar power only generates energy during daylight hours. In contrast, wind power can be scaled up or down based on grid needs, allowing operators to adjust output rapidly. Additionally, wind patterns are often stronger at night when solar energy is unavailable, providing a balanced energy supply throughout the day.

JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Floating offshore wind power has significant potential for contributing to sustainable socioeconomic growth. It can drive job creation in various sectors, including engineering, construction, maintenance, and maritime operations. For instance, the installation, operation, and maintenance of floating wind farms create opportunities for both local and global labor markets.

REVITALISING COMMUNITIES AND TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES
In regions with high unemployment or declining traditional industries, such as shipbuilding or oil extraction, floating offshore wind can help revitalise communities by transitioning them to the green economy.

STIMULATING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND SUPPLY CHAINS
In terms of industrial growth, floating wind farms stimulate demand for materials like steel, cables, and turbines, supporting supply chains and local industries. They also attract investment in ports, infrastructure, and technology development, boosting economic activity in coastal regions.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT
From a stakeholder management perspective, floating offshore wind offers an opportunity for governments, businesses, and communities to collaborate in achieving energy security and sustainability goals. Proper engagement with stakeholders, including fishermen, environmental groups, and local authorities, ensures that projects not only meet energy demands but also align with broader social and environmental objectives.

ENHANCING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
On a national and regional level, floating offshore wind can enhance economic resilience by diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. This strengthens countries' energy independence and contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change, while also fostering long-term economic growth in key regions​.