Floating Wind: Latest Breakthroughs and Global Developments
Floating wind energy is revolutionizing renewable power generation by enabling the use of offshore turbines in deeper waters. Unlike traditional fixed-bottom turbines, floating technology harnesses stronger, more consistent wind speeds far offshore, unlocking vast potential for clean energy. With global energy transitions accelerating and climate goals looming, floating wind has become a critical frontier in the renewable sector.
While the technology is still maturing, several breakthroughs and projects highlight its growing role. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments shaping the future of floating wind.
World’s Largest Floating Wind Turbine Hoisted for Tests
China is solidifying its position as a global leader in offshore wind with the "Qihang," a 20 MW floating wind turbine—the largest of its kind. Developed by state-owned CRRC, the turbine was successfully hoisted into position for testing in January 2025 at a base in Shandong province.
Power and Scale: The 20 MW capacity exceeds current prototypes from competitors like Envision Energy and Dongfang Electric, pushing the limits of offshore wind technology.
Strategic Goal: China aims to dominate both domestic and international offshore wind markets, with this innovation showcasing its ambition to lead in ultra-large turbine technology.
Global Context: While China is setting new benchmarks, the race continues with Mingyang Wind Power targeting a 22 MW turbine later this year.
French Developer Wins Estonia’s Offshore Wind Tender
Oxan Energy, a French offshore wind developer, has secured a key project in Estonia, marking a major milestone in the expansion of floating wind into the Baltic Sea.
The Project: Located 60 kilometers west of Saaremaa Island, the Saare 1 area will host up to 60 floating turbines with a combined capacity of 900 MW.
Technology Blend: Oxan plans to combine floating and fixed-bottom turbines to address varying water depths, a hybrid approach that could become a model for similar regions.
Timeline: The project is slated for commissioning in 2033, aligning with Estonia’s renewable energy goals and Europe’s broader push for green energy leadership.
Scotland’s Study on Industrial-Scale Floating Wind
Scotland is taking steps to accelerate floating wind deployment on an industrial scale. Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone, through Sarens PSG’s Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, has launched a study to streamline deployment methods for floating turbines.
Focus Areas: The study will investigate solutions for transporting floating foundations directly from production facilities to sea-based operational sites, aiming to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Industry Collaboration: Led by the BlueFloat Energy and Nadara Partnership, the project demonstrates Scotland’s leadership in pioneering renewable energy technologies.
Strategic Importance: As Scotland seeks to position itself as a global hub for offshore wind, the findings could reshape how floating wind farms are deployed worldwide.
West Coast Floating Wind Potential: 33 GW by 2050
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a report showcasing the vast potential of floating wind along the Pacific Coast, projecting up to 33 GW of capacity by 2050.
Modeling and Goals: Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory identified pathways for cost-effective deployment in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Challenges: Infrastructure gaps and the relative youth of floating wind technology pose hurdles, but the report emphasizes the need for phased growth to meet ambitious targets.
Economic Impact: Scaling up floating wind on the West Coast could bolster regional energy transmission and create significant economic opportunities.
Future of Floating Wind
Floating wind energy is rapidly transitioning from an emerging technology to a cornerstone of the global renewable energy landscape. By unlocking renewable energy potential in deeper waters, it offers a pathway to accelerate decarbonization and meet ambitious climate targets. Additionally, floating wind holds vast economic promise, driving job creation and investment in renewable markets worldwide.
However, the sector must overcome challenges, including high initial costs, infrastructure needs, and integrating floating systems into existing energy grids. Collaboration among governments, developers, and researchers will be crucial to addressing these barriers and fully realizing the technology’s potential.
From China’s record-breaking turbines to Scotland’s logistical innovations and the U.S. West Coast’s bold ambitions, floating wind highlights the scale of opportunity and global commitment to a clean energy future. As nations invest in innovative solutions, floating wind is set to play a transformative role in shaping a sustainable world.
