2025 shaping up to be ‘a big year for offshore wind’

Despite recent setbacks in the US market, 2025 is “shaping up to be a big year for offshore wind,” according to the CEO for Bureau Veritas in the UK.

In kicking off the Offshore Wind Journal Conference, London, on 3 February, BV’s Yannis Calogeras noted there could potentially be a record amount of capacity that could reach final investment decision (FID) and come online in 2025.

During his platinum sponsor address, Mr Calogeras said, “How big a year 2025 turns out will depend in part on the level of financial support for offshore wind and on the use of auctions that are designed to encourage developers to participate.” A positive for the offshore wind market was how governments responded to setbacks in recent auctions, particularly in the UK, with more supportive government policy.

While the Trump Administration delivered a blow to offshore wind development in the US with a flurry of executive orders, Europe and Asia continue to plough ahead with significant projects.

Mr Calogeras noted 2025 could also be transformational for floating wind, with positive developments in France, the UK and South Korea at the end of 2024 and significant tenders for floating wind that are due to take place in 2025. This could mean that “the coming 12 months will be when floating wind supply chains finally start to take,” he said.

In addressing offshore windfarm vessel trends, Mr Calogeras said vessel design will continue to “evolve with a pronounced focus on green propulsion technology,” noting batteries, offshore charging systems and the use of alternative fuels such as methanol.

"2024 may indeed have been challenging, but the big picture is the offshore wind industry will continue to grow rapidly, with more than 850 GW of capacity expected to be installed globally by 2050, underpinned by global commitments to reduce carbon emissions,” he concluded.