The coming of Europes offshore wind energy industryA report by the European Wind Energy Association - 2011 Wind in our SailsWind in our SailsThe coming of Europes offshore wind energy industryA report by the European Wind Energy AssociationText and analysis: Chapter 1 Athanasia Arapogianni and Jacopo Moccia, European Wind Energy AssociationChapters 2 to 7 David Williams and Joseph Phillips, GL Garrad HassanRevision: Christian Kjaer, Justin Wilkes and Anne-Bndicte Genachte, European Wind Energy AssociationEditing: Sarah Azau and Zo Casey, European Wind Energy AssociationProject coordinators: Sarah Azau and Raffaella Bianchin, European Wind Energy AssociationDesign: www.devisu.comPrint: www.artoos.beEWEA has joined a climate-neutral printing programme. It makes choices as to what it prints and how, based on environmental criteria. The CO2 emissions of the printing process are then calculated and compensated by green emission allowances purchased from a sustainable project.Cover photo: DongPublished in November 201123420_Offshore report_int_v15.indd 123420_Offshore report_int_v15.indd 19/11/11 10:339/11/11 10:332 Wind in our Sails The coming of Europes offshore wind energy industryForewordThe European Union leads the world in offshore wind power with 4,000 MW already installed, and this is only the beginning of a major industrial development. This industry will not only help revitalise European economies, but will place Europe at the heart of global offshore wind developments benefi tting European companies which are well established as fi rst movers, and provide thousands of jobs for European citizens. Our market and technology leadership in the offshore wind sector will serve us well. It is my pleasure to provide this foreword to Wind in our Sails The coming of Europes offshore wind industry, produced by the European Wind Energy Association, once again showing overwhelming investor interest and the huge contribution this innovative industry can make to Europe. Offshore wind power contributes to the EU goals of competitiveness, energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As this report highlights, the developing of a new industrial supply chain will bring new jobs and a wealth of commercial opportunities. The European Environment Agency, in its 2009 report1 confi rms that the wind resource is not a constraint. In fact, the EEA illustrate that offshore wind powers eco- nomically competitive potential is around 3,400 TWh in 2030, about 80% of the EUs projected electricity demand. At a time where Europe is at a major crossroads for its energy future, offshore wind provides a powerful domestic answer to Europes energy supply and climate dilemma. However, this development will not happen without ambitious national programmes, and support from the European Union, underpinning the market promise.There is strong evidence that the supply chain for off- shore wind is dynamic and responding to challenges through investment in innovation. Nevertheless, devel- oping the necessary technology and industrial capacity and getting projects through planning and consent- ing takes time. To make the necessary investments, the industry needs certainty and stability. Favourable national framework conditions implementing the Renewable Energy Directive, together with a stable post - 2020 legislative framework and more innovative fi nancing will be key to achieving it.But none of these goals will be reached without solid, reliable electricity networks. They are and will become even more the backbone of our energy system. The European Commission, in its energy infrastructure package, stresses the urgent need to invest in energy infrastructure in order to transport large amounts of off- shore wind energy to the consumption centres.By working together we can build a cleaner, greener energy future. This EWEA report shows us that coordi- nated action is needed across the supply chain, sup- ported by a stable and clear legislative framework and new fi nancial instruments to tap into this unlimited indigenous and clean energy resource.I know the European Commission can count on the Member States, the European Parliament and all relevant stakeholders at local, regional, national and European level to work together in order to make it happen. Gnther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy1 EEA (European Environment Agency), 2009. Europe s onshore and offshore wind energy potential . Technical report No 6/2009.23420_Offshore report_int_v15.indd 223420_Offshore report_int_v15.indd 29/11/11 10:339/11/11 10:33Wind in our Sails The coming of Europes offshore wind energy industry 3 Contents Executive summary .4 Recommendations .