Floating Offshore Wind

RWE’s experience in deploying offshore wind, combined with its in-house engineering expertise and global approach means it is particularly well placed to become a leader in floating wind.

How does floating wind work?

Floating wind uses the same turbines as conventional ‘seabed-fixed’ offshore wind but they are deployed on top of floating structures that are secured to the seabed with mooring lines and anchors. Electricity is transmitted to shore via subsea cables.

This technology opens up the possibility of deploying offshore wind projects in regions with deeper waters in established markets like the UK and France, and also in new regions like Japan and the west coast of the USA.

As a less mature technology than seabed-fixed, floating wind is currently more expensive but costs are expected to fall rapidly so that it should be relatively cost competitive by 2030.

Our ambition

RWE’s ambition is to safely develop, build and operate cost-competitive, commercial-scale floating projects around the world. To achieve this, we are implementing a world-class capability development programme, including extensive supply chain engagement, participation in leading joint industry projects and active involvement in three high-profile demonstration projects.

These projects are already giving us unique insights into the particular challenges and opportunities of different structure types, materials, mooring systems and installation methodologies. The lessons we are learning from these activities will help us reduce the cost and risk of our commercial-scale projects in the future.

Useful documents

RWE Floating Wind Factsheet

Joint industry projects

RWE is actively collaborating with other developers in joint industry projects to address shared issues and overcome industry-level barriers.

Carbon Trust Floating Wind Joint Industry Project

RWE was a founding member of this pioneering project, which was set up in 2016 and now involves 15 leading developers working together to investigate the challenges and opportunities for the deployment of large-scale commercial floating wind farms.

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Carbon Trust Floating Wind Joint Industry Project

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s Floating Wind Centre of Excellence

RWE is an active member of this project, which was set up in 2020 to accelerate the build-out of floating farms, create opportunities for the UK supply chain, and drive innovations in manufacturing, installation and O&M.

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Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s Floating Wind Centre of Excellence