The United Kingdom is at the forefront of the global renewable energy transition, with offshore wind farms playing a pivotal role in meeting its ambitious decarbonisation targets.
Among these advancements, the development of floating wind farms marks a significant technological leap, enabling access to untapped wind resources in deeper waters. One notable example is the Erebus floating wind farm, located off the Welsh coast near Milford Haven, which is setting new standards for harnessing offshore wind energy.
Haush in Pembroke Doc delves into the contrasting characteristics of fixed-bottom and floating wind farms, focusing on their Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX), and the strategic rationale for their deployment.
Comparing Fixed-Bottom and Floating Wind Farms
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Fixed-Bottom Wind Farms
Fixed-bottom offshore wind farms are a tried-and-tested technology, benefiting from well-established infrastructure. These systems employ monopile or jacket foundations embedded into the seabed, making them suitable for shallow to medium water depths of up to approximately 60 metres. Their CAPEX is typically lower than that of floating systems due to simpler and more localised installation processes. The average cost per megawatt (MW) for fixed-bottom systems is estimated to be around £2.5 million.
Key cost drivers include seabed preparation, installation of fixed structures, and proximity to shore, all of which contribute to more predictable and manageable expenses. The shallow-water location also allows for easier transportation and installation of turbines, further reducing capital requirements.
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Floating Wind Farms
Floating wind farms, on the other hand, represent a higher initial investment. Their CAPEX is significantly elevated due to the need for advanced floating platforms, such as spar buoys and semi-submersibles, that can operate in deep waters exceeding 60 metres. These platforms require specialised mooring systems and anchoring solutions to ensure stability in the challenging conditions of open seas. The average cost per MW for floating systems is approximately £4.5 million.
Additional costs stem from the logistical complexity of transporting and assembling turbines at greater distances from shore. For instance, the Erebus project, which features state-of-the-art 14 MW turbines mounted on floating platforms, highlights the substantial initial investment required to harness the abundant wind energy potential in deeper areas like the Celtic Sea.
Achieving a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 demands urgent and scaled deployment of renewable energy projects. Onshore and offshore wind farms, solar energy installations, and green hydrogen production are central to this effort. Together, they can replace carbon-intensive energy sources while driving economic benefits. The UK’s offshore wind sector, already a global leader, offers a blueprint for success, but its expansion must accelerate alongside robust solar energy development.
Investing in renewable energy infrastructure could generate over 800,000 jobs in wind energy alone, supported by an additional 315,000 jobs from large-scale solar projects. These initiatives could add £84 billion to the UK’s GDP over their operational lifetimes while ensuring progress toward the 2030 milestone.
Operational Challenges and Opportunities
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Fixed-Bottom Wind Farms
Operational expenditures for fixed-bottom wind farms are generally lower, primarily because of their proximity to shore and the relatively straightforward maintenance procedures enabled by their stable foundations. Maintenance vessels can access these turbines more easily, facilitating quicker and less expensive repairs. The simplicity of their infrastructure translates to lower ongoing costs and reduced risks. Fixed-bottom wind farms typically incur annual OPEX of around £100,000 per MW.
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Floating Wind Farms
In contrast, floating wind farms face higher OPEX due to the challenges of servicing turbines located in deeper waters, often far from shore. Maintenance of floating platforms requires specialised vessels and equipment to handle the intricate mooring lines, dynamic cables, and advanced stabilisation systems. Floating systems generally incur annual OPEX of approximately £150,000 per MW. However, these platforms are designed to withstand robust wave and wind conditions, which can mitigate wear and tear over time, partially offsetting higher operational costs.
Achieving a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 demands urgent and scaled deployment of renewable energy projects. Onshore and offshore wind farms, solar energy installations, and green hydrogen production are central to this effort. Together, they can replace carbon-intensive energy sources while driving economic benefits. The UK’s offshore wind sector, already a global leader, offers a blueprint for success, but its expansion must accelerate alongside robust solar energy development.
Investing in renewable energy infrastructure could generate over 800,000 jobs in wind energy alone, supported by an additional 315,000 jobs from large-scale solar projects. These initiatives could add £84 billion to the UK’s GDP over their operational lifetimes while ensuring progress toward the 2030 milestone.
Strategic Deployment: Unlocking Deep-Water Resources
The choice between fixed-bottom and floating platforms is dictated by water depth and wind resource potential. Fixed-bottom solutions are ideal for shallower coastal areas, where simpler and less expensive infrastructure can reliably capture consistent wind resources. However, as the demand for renewable energy grows, these near-shore locations are reaching capacity, necessitating exploration of deeper waters.
Floating platforms, like those deployed in the Erebus project, are critical for accessing deep-water wind resources that are out of reach for traditional fixed-bottom systems. The Celtic Sea, with its considerable depths and consistently strong wind speeds, exemplifies the potential of floating technology. Erebus, located 40 kilometres off the Pembrokeshire coast, is a pilot-scale wind farm capable of generating 100 MW of energy, enough to power 93,000 homes. By demonstrating the viability of floating platforms in the Celtic Sea, the project paves the way for future expansions, with an estimated 20 GW of capacity envisioned for the region.
Comparative Cost Table
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Metric
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Fixed-Bottom Wind Farms
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Floating Wind Farms
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|---|---|---|
| CAPEX (£ per MW) | £2.5 million | £4.5 million |
| OPEX (£ per MW per year) | £100,000 | £150,000 |
| Sale Price (£ per MW) | £45–50 (estimated) | £55–60 (estimated) |
Building a Renewable Future
The deployment of floating wind farms like Erebus represents more than just a technological breakthrough; it is a strategic imperative for achieving energy security and economic growth. By tapping into deep-water wind resources, the UK can significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity while fostering local supply chain opportunities and job creation. Despite higher CAPEX and OPEX, floating platforms enable access to some of the world’s most powerful wind resources, offering a path to greater energy resilience and sustainability.
In summary, while fixed-bottom wind farms remain a cost-effective solution for shallow waters, floating wind technology is unlocking the immense potential of deeper offshore regions. Projects like Erebus underscore the UK’s leadership in offshore wind innovation, setting a benchmark for future developments worldwide.
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