Wind energy experts agree: Offshore wind as an indispensable resource to achieve a just and clean energy transition. There is no simple solution to reach 300 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. Europe needs technology innovation, improved market design and grid planning.
The offshore wind industry is gearing up to deploy 300 GW in Europe by 2050. This will make offshore wind the main source of power generation in the region. But to deliver the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy Europe needs to keep investing in Research and Innovation (R&I).
EU governments have pledged 60 GW of offshore wind by 2030, compared to today’s 12 GW of installed capacity. The European wind industry is ready to deliver on these volumes, but to stay competitive and maintain the global leadership Europe must invest in the EU supply chain, ports and grids.
Adrian Timbus, Chair of the ETIPWind Executive Committee said: “To deliver the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy Europe needs to keep investing in R&I. EU Funding from Horizon Europe and Innovation Fund must prioritise wind energy in their programmes. This will reduce costs and help maintain EU technology leadership.”
During the last ETIPWind workshop, experts pointed out that renewable-based power system will be different from the current system. Research is needed to identify and quantify the stability needs of the future power system and the grid architecture to bring the energy to consumers. It is therefore essential to optimise the use of the existing grid infrastructure and develop High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) will continue to play an important role.
Timbus highlighted the need to industrialise component manufacturing, optimise installation techniques and equipment, and scale-up floating offshore wind as well as offshore grid infrastructure. “Prominently Europe need to invest in the technologies that will enable the effective integration of lots of renewable in the energy system”.
ETIPWind stresses that EU investments in R&I will be key to optimise the integration of the offshore wind. Member States need to build-up a clear investment plan on R&I to support the development and deployment of these technologies. The wind energy industry is ready to do its part and continue providing solutions to keep Europe as a technology leader in wind energy.
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