Opinion

ICE: Three challenges for offshore wind to become a top renewable source in the UK

24 January 2025

In an article for ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), Dr Kaloyana Kostova, Engineering Capability Lead for Structural Engineering considers how engineers can strike a balance between best practices from cost-intensive innovation in design and manufacturing with standardised construction to create low-risk, cost-effective components essential for advancing offshore wind energy.

Kaloyana zeroes in on the three key challenges for UK offshore wind: reducing long consenting times by addressing environmental impacts, building a skilled workforce to support supply chain growth, and securing clarity in funding for floating offshore wind projects. She also emphasises the importance of collaboration, policy certainty, and innovation to meet rising electricity demands and achieve net-zero goals.

Read an extract below:

With electricity demand in the UK expected to double, floating offshore wind is crucial to the UK’s future. It’s seen not just as a green energy source, but the new industrial base for the UK. But achieving this means investment.

The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s main way of supporting low-carbon electricity generation. Much has changed since 2023’s CfD auction failed to attract any offshore wind bids. Last year’s saw the world’s biggest award for offshore wind.

Scotland already has a 25GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. And in England and Wales, developers are soon expected to secure rights to areas in the Celtic Sea. The delivery of such a huge pipeline requires a clear vision and long-term commitment.

 

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