The UK may be about to create a third category of offshore wind, and it could open up a significant share of untapped seabed.
In proposed amendments ahead of CfD Allocation Round 8 (AR8), the UK government is considering a new 'other deep-water offshore wind technologies' category.
This is targeting foundation concepts that fall in depth ranges that challenge both traditional fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind foundations as it stands today.
Aegir Insights has published a new Insight report examining what this actually means, if introduced, and whether it's empty policy or real potential.
Some of our key findings:
Near-term impact under AR8 looks limited.
Relevant projects would need full planning consent, and developers are unlikely to reopen lengthy consent processes to change foundation type.
Longer term, the picture is more interesting.
More than 37 GW of projects in development in the UK fall within suitable water depths, of which close to 16 GW are early-stage floating projects where foundation choices are still open.
The technology is coming, but not yet there.
Several hybrid concepts are in development, but most remain at early stages and key questions around adequate vessel capability and CfD pot allocation remain open.
Clients can access the full report here, which analyzes the proposed regulatory amendment for the new "other deep-water offshore wind technologies" category in the UK, explores different foundation concepts that might qualify for this new CfD category, and assesses the potential impact near- and longer term if implemented in more depth.
Want a walk-through of the analysis?
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