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
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.
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.
Latest RWE press releases on Floating Wind
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2022
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2021
- 17 December 2021: DemoSATH: Floating offshore wind platform manufacturing moves forward in the Port of Bilbao
- 7 December 2021:RWE-funded study flags floating wind opportunity for Scottish industry
- 1 December 2021: TetraSpar: Floating offshore wind demo project successfully commissioned off the Norwegian coast
- 29 November 2021: South Korea: RWE and Ulsan City cooperate in floating offshore wind
- 16 September 2021: RWE qualified as bidder for French floating offshore wind project in South Brittany
- 10 September 2021: RWE, NTE and Hvfram: joint participation in floating offshore wind project in Norway
- 23 August 2021: Kansai EPCO and RWE team up for floating offshore in Japan
- 16 July 2021: RWE confirms participation in ScotWind
- 12 March 2021: RWE supporting research into concrete foundations for Scottish supply chain


Image credits: TetraSpar Demonstrator ApS



Floating Offshore Wind
Questions on this topic
We are happy to answer your questions about Floating Offshore Wind and our projects.

Chris Willow
Head of Floating Wind Development
I'm happy to answer your questions about Floating Offshore Wind and our projects.