Decarbonization of Floating Offshore Wind: An Exploration of Roadblocks and Enabling Strategies to Support Sustainable Deployment

Abstract

Floating offshore wind is an emerging technology enabling access to 80% of global waters, previously unreachable by conventional fixed-bottom offshore wind technology. This study aims to investigate current decarbonization strategies and innovative solutions to support net-zero commitments within the floating offshore wind industry. Existing literature revealed a disproportionate focus on the industry’s substantial buildout potential, while little attention is given to the carbon-intensive materials and processes necessary to enable its deployment. To address this research gap, an abductive research methodology and critical realism perspective were applied to analyze industry challenges and identify areas for improvement to ensure a long-term, sustainable deployment of floating offshore wind. Additionally, the global value chain framework, in combination with field theory, was applied to understand industry dynamics. Using a mono-method qualitative approach, 16 expert interviews from various stakeholder groups were conducted. The empirical data revealed an industry-wide focus on the cost reduction of the technology and the acceleration of the buildout, while decarbonization remains an emerging, early-stage topic. Although initial efforts primarily relate to business case optimization, crucial obstacles to decarbonizing the industry must be addressed. While joint industry efforts are required across the supply chain, the solution will rely on regulatory intervention to emphasize the risks of neglecting decarbonization efforts and require the prioritization of sustainable practices throughout the floating offshore wind lifecycle.