Global floating offshore wind projects up 9% in 12 months

China and Japan were amongst the top locations for operating projects.

The global pipeline of floating offshore wind projects has increased 9% to 266 gigawatts (GW) in the last 12 months, according to RenewableUK.

During the said period, the number of projects increased from 285 to 316. The number includes projects that are fully operational, under construction, approved, in the planning system or at an early stage of development.

RenewableUK said 245 megawatts (MW) of floating wind are fully operational across 15 projects in seven countries. Norway is leading with 94 MW across three projects, followed by the UK with 78 MW from two projects, China with 40 MW from five projects, Portugal with 25 MW from one project, and Japan with 5 MW from two projects.

Globally, 102 MW are under construction, 7.3 GW are consented or in the pre-construction phase , 21.6 GW are in the planning system, and 184 GW are in early development or applying for a lease.​

South Korea and the Philippines were amongst the countries with the largest floating offshore wind pipeline with 14.09 GW and 13.56 GW, respectively. Italy dominated the market with a total portfolio of 41.3GW, although most of its projects are still in the early stages of development.