Floating offshore wind – an overview of marine spatial planning and the needs of the industry

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind Task 49 aims to accelerate the commercialisation of floating wind. Work package 4 of the task analyses and incorporates the views of key stakeholders to ensure the Task is aligned with industrial needs. Work package 4 is broadly split into innovation management and marine spatial planning (MSP). The innovation management section evaluates the potential social, environmental and economic impact of floating wind innovations by surveying a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders to ask them to compare the potential impact of identified innovations. The survey results will inform a scored ranking of floating wind innovations, and the future research directions for the Task. In the MSP section representatives from partner countries are interviewed to assess their domestic offshore wind sector and discuss the approach the country has taken to MSP, with a focus on floating wind. The other explored parameters include MSP regulations, offshore wind policy and targets, supply chain capabilities, and environmental and fisheries impact assessments. A synthesis of what stakeholders perceive as impactful innovation, and an understanding of the direction of the industry and policy can be built from the two parts. This paper describes the methodology used to create this synthesis and findings from the first year of work are shared.