RWE owns and operates offshore wind turbines throughout Europe with a total of 3.3 GW. The company is therefore uniquely positioned to drive the energy transition forward, as well as to play a leading role in the sector at an international level.
RWE’s experience in deploying offshore wind, combined with its in-house engineering expertise and global approach means it is particularly well placed to become a leader in floating wind.
Floating wind uses the same turbines as conventional ‘seabed-fixed’ offshore wind but they are deployed on top of floating structures that are secured to the seabed with mooring lines and anchors. Electricity is transmitted to shore via subsea cables.
This technology opens up the possibility of deploying offshore wind projects in regions with deeper waters in established markets like the UK and France, and also in new regions like Japan and the west coast of the USA.
As a less mature technology than seabed-fixed, floating wind is currently more expensive but costs are expected to fall rapidly so that it should be relatively cost competitive by 2030.
RWE’s ambition is to safely develop, build and operate cost-competitive, commercial-scale floating projects around the world. We aim to have 1GW of floating wind deployed or under construction by 2030 and at least 4GW of floating wind capacity deployed by 2035.
To achieve this, we are implementing a world-class capability development programme, including extensive supply chain engagement, participation in leading joint industry projects and active involvement in two high-profile demonstration projects.
