Offshore wind sector costs could be reduced by 40% in 10 years’ time according to new Dutch research

The key is the cooperation between industry, knowledge institutes and government

 The key is the cooperation between industry, knowledge institutes and government

According to the Dutch research program FLOW (Far and Large Offshore Wind energy), a well-coordinated approach between industry, knowledge institutes and government can achieve 40% cost reduction in ten years in the offshore wind sector. R&D needs input from industry and vice versa. Government too is an important factor in the process, to deliver long term market stability, R&D funds and efficient permitting and project tender procedures. The results of this research were officially presented on the 15th of June to Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp.

The FLOW program was launched in 2010, and since then, consistent efforts at cost reduction have been made in the Dutch offshore wind sector. And even though the sector is not yet at a competitive level with fossil fuels within the current market conditions (which do not include societal cost), this could be reached between 2025 and 2030 if the same cost reduction pace is sustained. As a result, in about ten to fifteen years, offshore wind power should be able to manage without subsidies.

Source: EnergyPost