Osprey recently attended and exhibited at this year’s RUK Global Offshore Wind event, held in Manchester. The entire event was a huge success and showcased up and coming technologies, industry news and future development within the sector. We have put together a ‘round up’ of the most important points from the 2-day event.
The global offshore wind industry is on the brink of an industrial golden age
There are unprecedented opportunities for companies in the sector given the scale of growth set to take place. The impact of the war in Ukraine and other socioeconomic pressures has shown us how much governments around the world are seizing the opportunity of wind. The level of pipeline growth, which has doubled in 12 months to more than 800GW globally, is astonishing. However, much has changed in recent months in the sector. UK Grid issues remain unresolved, and the investment climate has soured with interest rate rises, spiralling commodity prices and a challenging sector-wide search for talent.
There is no limit on turbine size
The challenges and opportunities presented by an increase in the size as well as performance of offshore wind turbines were heavily debated at this year’s conference. Managing the existing platforms, in light of the supply crisis, has the highest priority given the current economic situation and nervousness around investment in large infrastructure projects. Assuming the industry returns to a more stable and sustainable state, eventually larger turbines capable of a greater output will come to market, generating even higher competitiveness.
Floating wind farms set to have a huge impact
The floating wind sector has the potential to play a significant role in delivering net zero globally. The recent projections suggesting more than 250GW of floating wind could be deployed may well be conservative. Just 1% of the potential available resources in near-term markets have the capacity to accommodate more than 240GW, and just 5% would be able to host 1200GW.
For more information on how Osprey can provide you with technical services and consultancy, including wind farm safeguarding, aviation impact and offshore Operations and Maintenance (O&M), please get in contact today.
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