Can the UK achieve 5 GW of floating offshore wind by 2030?

INSIGHT
By Fraser Milne
Engineering and Projects Director

The UK has set ambitious goals to achieve net zero by 2050, with a commitment to 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, including 5 GW from floating offshore wind. However, with only 14 GW of installed offshore wind capacity as of 2023 - just 80 MW of which is floating - the UK faces a substantial shortfall. To bridge this gap, immediate action is needed.

While progress is being made, it’s not fast enough. The UK's sixth Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round (AR6) awarded 5.3 GW of offshore wind capacity, but only 400 MW came from floating wind. The challenge now lies in scaling capacity to meet targets, which will require tripling current output in the next six years.

The UK’s energy sector supply chain has spent over a decade developing expertise and adapting technology from the oil and gas industries, making significant strides in floating wind innovation. However, a disconnect between technical readiness and slow project approvals is stifling growth. The time to secure site permits, grid connections and investment approvals is increasing, limiting the industry's ability to scale up quickly.

Moreover, a lack of tailored standards for floating offshore wind further complicates matters. While oil and gas standards have provided a base, floating wind requires more adaptable, lighter materials to suit its unique environment. The supply chain is ready, but uncertainty in policy and infrastructure support holds it back.

For the UK to become a global leader in floating offshore wind, policymakers must expedite permitting processes and deliver the infrastructure needed to support large-scale projects. Without decisive action, the UK risks missing out on international opportunities and delaying its path to net zero.

Balmoral Comtec is uniquely positioned to support the floating offshore wind industry with its advanced buoyancy, protection and insultation solutions. Drawing on decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, Balmoral has developed innovative products tailored to the specific challenges of floating wind, such as harsh weather conditions and deepwater environments.

By offering high-performance, durable components, Balmoral ensures the integrity and longevity of floating wind systems, helping accelerate the industry's growth and meet the UK's ambitious targets.