The role of the local Supply Chain in the development of floating offshore wind power

Abstract

Given many countries net zero targets, the pipeline for floating offshore wind projects (FLOWPs) is promising. Compared to other renewable technologies FLOWPs are complex structures that consist of extremely heavy components. FLOWP construction requires floaters, turbines (towers, rotors and nacelles), mooring and anchoring systems, dynamic inter array and export (offshore and onshore) cables, in addition to the electrical substations (offshore and onshore). The requirements in terms of heavy raw materials (cement, steel, etc.) should ideally be met by the local supply chain. This is particularly important given the consideration of local commitments in many seabed leasing rounds or for authorisation processes. There is a strong inter-dependency between the success of FLOWPs and the presence of a well organised and developed local supply chain. Local procurement of the goods and services for the construction and maintenance of the FLOWP would have a positive impact on the local industrial sector. However, there is a risk that the local supply chain will not make the necessary timely investment required to be able to meet the demand of materials and components to support local FLOWPs. This would be a loss for the local economy but also for the developers. Two approaches are discussed which may help mitigate such risk.