The firm’s COP28 ‘Global Offshore Wind Update’ report, published 4 December, warns that the ability to connect offshore wind farms to the grid is becoming increasingly constrained, with power curtailment at projects now common.
As grid buildout often requires a longer lead time than construction of renewable projects, “the lack of available grid connections and transmission poses a significant bottleneck to the acceleration of offshore wind”, the report says.
Transmission networks are not developed enough to take energy to areas of high demand and low supply, it notes. Timely grid infrastructure upgrades are needed to allow additional generation to integrate into the grid system and reduce bottlenecks.
The ERM report also calls on policymakers to “address the need for super grids and interconnections between countries”.
Only Poland is on track to meet its 2030 offshore wind targets of 5.9GW and 5GW, respectively, according to the report.
Proven technology, investor interest and a substantial project pipeline provide firm foundations for offshore wind expansion, according to the report. But challenges such as permitting, grid integration, supply chain issues and financial support persist. “Tackling these obstacles requires urgent collaborative efforts from governments, industry and civil society,” the report said.
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