Global Offshore Wind Energy Market Outlook, 2029

The offshore wind energy market has experienced significant growth and transformation since its inception in the early 1990s. The industry began in Denmark with the installation of the Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm in 1991, marking the start of a new era in renewable energy. Since then, the sector has expanded globally, driven by technological advancements, decreasing costs, and increasing awareness of the need for sustainable energy sources. Offshore wind farms harness the powerful and consistent winds over the ocean, generating electricity through large turbines anchored to the seabed or floating structures in deeper waters. This technology has become particularly popular in Europe, which remains the global leader in offshore wind capacity, followed by regions like Asia and North America. The culture within the offshore wind industry is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Industry stakeholders, including developers, manufacturers, and service providers, work closely with governments, regulatory bodies, and local communities to ensure the successful deployment of wind farms. The competitive landscape is marked by major players such as orsted, Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and General Electric, which dominate the market with their cutting-edge technology and extensive experience. These companies continuously invest in research and development to enhance turbine efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce costs. Additionally, new entrants and regional firms are also contributing to the market's dynamism, fostering competition and driving further advancements. Government policies and regulations play a crucial role in shaping the offshore wind energy market. Various countries have implemented supportive frameworks, including subsidies, tax incentives, and streamlined permitting processes, to encourage investment in offshore wind projects. The European Union, for instance, has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, with offshore wind expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. In the United States, the Biden administration has outlined plans to significantly expand offshore wind capacity as part of its broader climate strategy. In Asia, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are also investing heavily in offshore wind to diversify their energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. These regulatory environments are essential in mitigating the risks associated with high upfront costs and lengthy development timelines.

According to the research report, “Global Offshore Wind Energy Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to grow with 12% CAGR by 2024-29. Special aspects of the offshore wind industry include the complex logistics and engineering challenges involved in constructing and maintaining wind farms in harsh marine environments. These projects require specialized vessels, robust supply chains, and advanced installation techniques. Moreover, the environmental impact of offshore wind farms is a critical consideration. While they offer a clean energy source, potential effects on marine ecosystems and local wildlife must be carefully managed through rigorous environmental assessments and ongoing monitoring. Strategically, companies in the offshore wind sector are focusing on several key areas to ensure long-term growth and sustainability. These strategies include expanding into new geographic markets, forming strategic partnerships and joint ventures, and leveraging digital technologies for enhanced operational efficiency. The development of larger and more efficient turbines, such as those exceeding 15 MW in capacity, is also a priority, as these can generate more power and improve the economics of offshore wind projects. Furthermore, floating wind technology is emerging as a promising frontier, allowing wind farms to be located in deeper waters with stronger wind resources, thus opening up vast new areas for development.

Market Drivers

• Technological Advancements: Technological improvements have significantly boosted the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of offshore wind energy. Innovations such as larger and more efficient turbines, advanced floating platforms for deep-water installations, and improved grid integration techniques have reduced the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). These advancements make offshore wind projects more financially viable and attractive to investors, driving market growth.
• Government Policies and Incentives: Supportive government policies and incentives are crucial drivers for the offshore wind energy market. Many countries offer subsidies, tax incentives, and favourable regulatory frameworks to encourage the development of offshore wind projects. For example, the European Union has set ambitious renewable energy targets, with offshore wind playing a significant role in achieving them. In the United States, the Biden administration's climate strategy includes substantial investments in offshore wind capacity, further propelling market expansion.

Market Challenges



• High Initial Capital Costs: Offshore wind projects require substantial upfront investment, including costs related to turbine manufacturing, installation, grid connection, and maintenance. These high capital costs can be a significant barrier to entry, particularly for smaller companies or those in regions with less established financial and regulatory support. Securing financing and managing these costs is a major challenge for the industry.
• Environmental and Regulatory Hurdles: The development of offshore wind farms involves navigating complex environmental regulations and addressing potential impacts on marine ecosystems and local wildlife. Rigorous environmental assessments and continuous monitoring are necessary to mitigate these impacts, which can prolong project timelines and increase costs. Additionally, regulatory approvals and permitting processes can be lengthy and uncertain, posing a challenge for timely project execution.

Market Trends

• Expansion into New Markets: As traditional markets like Europe become more saturated, companies are increasingly looking to expand into new geographic regions with significant offshore wind potential. Asia, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, is emerging as a key growth area due to strong government support and the need to diversify energy sources. North America is also gaining traction, with several large-scale projects planned along the U.S. East Coast. This trend towards global diversification is expected to drive further growth and innovation in the industry.
• Development of Floating Wind Technology: Floating wind technology is a major trend that is set to revolutionize the offshore wind energy market. Unlike traditional fixed-bottom turbines, floating turbines can be installed in deeper waters where wind resources are stronger and more consistent. This opens up vast new areas for offshore wind development that were previously inaccessible. Companies are investing heavily in floating wind platforms, and several pilot projects are already underway, signalling a shift towards broader adoption of this technology in the near future.

Based on the report, the component segment is distinguished into Turbines, Electrical Infrastructure, Substructure and Others. The Turbines are leading in the offshore wind energy industry primarily because they are the core components that convert wind energy into electrical power, driving the overall efficiency and energy output of offshore wind farms.

Turbines are at the forefront of the offshore wind energy industry due to their essential role in converting kinetic wind energy into usable electrical power, making them the linchpin of any wind energy project. The primary function of turbines is to harness the wind's kinetic energy through their rotor blades, which rotate and drive a generator to produce electricity. This conversion process is fundamental to the entire offshore wind energy system, making turbines the most critical and high-value component. The significance of turbines in offshore wind energy is underscored by the continuous advancements in turbine technology. Innovations such as larger rotor diameters, taller towers, and more efficient blade designs have significantly increased the energy capture and overall efficiency of wind turbines. Modern offshore wind turbines are now capable of generating more power from lower wind speeds, which enhances the viability and profitability of wind farms. The development of larger turbines, with capacities exceeding 10 MW per unit, allows for fewer turbines to generate the same amount of energy, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs and optimizing space usage in offshore environments. The strategic importance of turbines is highlighted by the substantial investments being made in turbine technology and manufacturing. Leading companies in the wind energy sector, such as Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and General Electric, are investing heavily in research and development to create next-generation turbines that are more powerful, reliable, and cost-effective. These companies are focusing on innovations such as floating turbine technology, which allows for deployment in deeper waters where wind speeds are higher and more consistent. This technological advancement is expected to open up new areas for offshore wind development, further cementing the centrality of turbines in the industry. The economic impact of turbines is another reason for their prominence. Turbines account for the largest share of the capital expenditure (CAPEX) in offshore wind projects. The high cost is justified by their pivotal role in determining the energy output and efficiency of wind farms. As the primary revenue-generating component, turbines directly influence the financial performance and return on investment (ROI) of offshore wind projects. Consequently, optimizing turbine performance and reliability is crucial for the economic viability of these projects. The environmental benefits associated with advanced turbine technology contribute to their leading position. Modern turbines are designed to operate more quietly and efficiently, minimizing their impact on marine ecosystems. The use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes further enhances their environmental credentials. By maximizing energy output while reducing environmental footprints, turbines play a crucial role in advancing the sustainability goals of the offshore wind industry.

Based on the report the Market is distinguished into Shallow Water, Transitional Water and Deep Water. Shallow water is leading in the offshore wind energy industry primarily because it offers lower installation and operational costs, making it economically more viable for large-scale wind farm development.

Shallow water sites are the most preferred locations for offshore wind energy projects due to a combination of economic, technical, and logistical advantages that make them more feasible compared to deeper water sites. The primary factor driving the preference for shallow water is the significantly lower installation and operational costs. Installing wind turbines in shallow waters, typically defined as depths of up to 30 meters, is considerably less expensive because it involves simpler and more cost-effective foundation structures. Monopile foundations, which are commonly used in shallow waters, are easier and cheaper to manufacture, transport, and install than the more complex floating platforms required for deep water installations. The logistics of constructing and maintaining offshore wind farms are also more straightforward in shallow waters. Proximity to shore reduces the costs and complexities associated with transporting equipment and personnel to and from the site. This proximity allows for more efficient use of vessels and support infrastructure, thereby reducing the overall project timeline and costs. Maintenance activities are easier to perform in shallow waters, where the wave and current conditions are less challenging, leading to improved accessibility and safety for maintenance crews. These logistical advantages contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness and reliability of shallow water wind farms. Shallow water sites benefit from well-established technology and expertise, further reducing risks and costs. The offshore wind industry has extensive experience with shallow water projects, resulting in a mature supply chain and proven installation techniques. This established track record minimizes uncertainties and financial risks, making these projects more attractive to investors and developers. The availability of experienced contractors and service providers ensures that projects can be completed on time and within budget, which is crucial for securing financing and achieving commercial success. Another significant advantage of shallow water sites is their favourable environmental conditions for wind energy generation. Shallow waters are often located in coastal areas where wind speeds are consistent and strong, providing an optimal environment for wind turbine operation. These conditions result in higher capacity factors, meaning that turbines can generate more electricity over time, enhancing the economic viability of the project. The higher energy yield from shallow water sites translates to better returns on investment and more competitive electricity prices.

Europe is leading in the offshore wind energy industry primarily due to its early and sustained investment in offshore wind technology, supportive policy frameworks, and a well-developed supply chain infrastructure.

Europe's leadership in the offshore wind energy industry can be attributed to a combination of early adoption, consistent investment, supportive governmental policies, and a robust supply chain. The European Union (EU) and individual European countries have been pioneers in the development and deployment of offshore wind energy technologies. This early commitment, starting in the 1990s with the first offshore wind farm in Denmark, has given Europe a significant head start. European nations recognized the potential of offshore wind energy to contribute to their renewable energy goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. As a result, substantial public and private investments were directed towards research, development, and deployment of offshore wind projects. Governmental policies and regulatory frameworks in Europe have been highly supportive of offshore wind energy. The EU has set ambitious renewable energy targets, such as the European Green Deal, which aims for climate neutrality. These targets are backed by specific directives and regulations that promote the use of offshore wind energy. National governments have also implemented favourable policies, including feed-in tariffs, subsidies, and auction schemes that provide financial incentives for offshore wind projects. This supportive policy environment reduces financial risks and encourages investment, making it easier for developers to plan and execute large-scale projects. The geographical advantages of Europe play a crucial role in its leadership. Europe has extensive coastlines with shallow continental shelves, particularly in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, which are ideal for offshore wind farm installations. These areas offer strong and consistent wind resources, which are essential for maximizing energy output. The proximity of these regions to major industrial and population centers facilitates the integration of offshore wind energy into the power grid, ensuring a reliable supply of renewable energy to meet demand. Europe's well-developed supply chain infrastructure is another key factor. The continent is home to many of the world's leading offshore wind turbine manufacturers, such as Siemens Gamesa and Vestas. The presence of specialized ports, advanced logistics, and experienced service providers ensures efficient project execution and maintenance. Europe also benefits from a skilled workforce with extensive expertise in offshore wind technology, further enhancing its competitive advantage. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among European countries have been instrumental in advancing the offshore wind sector. Initiatives such as the North Seas Energy Cooperation foster cooperation among North Sea countries to develop a coordinated approach to offshore wind energy. This collaboration leads to the optimization of resources, harmonization of regulations, and the creation of cross-border infrastructure, such as interconnectors that enhance energy security and market integration.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Offshore Wind Energy market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Component
• Turbines
• Electrical Infrastructure
• Substructure
• Others

By Component
• Shallow Water
• Transitional Water
• Deep Water

By Capacity
• Less than 5MW
• Equal or more than 5MW

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Offshore Wind Energy industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.