The Global Floating Wind Industry Flexes Its Muscles (Including California, Too)

The global floating offshore wind industry is gaining significant momentum, with several key players and regions advancing technology and collaboration despite setbacks in the United States. Early US investment in floating wind turbine technology laid important groundwork, but recent political shifts, particularly under former President Donald Trump, stalled domestic development. However, California is now stepping into the breach, recognising the potential of its deep coastal waters unsuitable for conventional fixed turbines. The state has set an ambitious target of 25 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity and is actively engaging with international partners through the Global Offshore Wind Alliance to accelerate progress. International cooperation is proving pivotal in driving the floating wind sector forward. Norway and Japan have strengthened ties through a new agreement between Norwegian Offshore Wind and the Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA). This partnership aims to pool expertise and resources, particularly leveraging Norway’s Marine Energy Test Centre, to develop core technologies and establish robust validation methods. Both countries share a focus on deep-water floating wind solutions, reflecting their similar offshore conditions and ambitions to expand their respective industries. China is also making strategic moves to deepen its involvement in the European floating wind market. Ming Yang Europe, a subsidiary of China’s Ming Yang Smart Energy, recently joined Norwegian Offshore Wind, signalling a commitment to international collaboration and supply chain integration. With a substantial global footprint and advanced technology such as the OceanX floating platform, Ming Yang’s participation bolsters the global exchange of expertise. This development comes amid broader European ambitions, including the North Sea Summit’s goal of 100 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by the near term, underscoring the scale of opportunity in the region. Back in the US, California is leveraging its economic strength and technological innovation to position itself as a leader in offshore wind. The state’s recent partnership with Denmark, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, highlights its intent to foster clean technology and resilience in the energy sector. With the fixed-bottom offshore wind model unsuitable for much of its coastline, California’s focus on floating wind platforms represents a strategic adaptation to local conditions. This approach not only revives US interest in offshore wind but also aligns with global efforts to develop sustainable, scalable clean energy solutions.