RCCN WeChat QrCode
Mobile WebSite2018 is expected to add 4 GW
The report states that in 2017, the global offshore wind power lifting capacity will resume a positive and good momentum of development, sweeping away the slowdown caused by the reform of the UK market policy in 2016 (the RO Policy Transformation to the CfD mechanism). According to preliminary estimates, global capacity will reach 3.3 GW in 2017, an increase of 46% over the same period of last year. As of the end of 2017, the cumulative global offshore wind capacity will reach 17.5 GW. The European market still dominates the growth of new capacity with a market share of 77% while China has a market share of 22%.
It is estimated that by 2018, 3.9 GW of grid-connected offshore wind power will be added globally, the implementation of China's offshore wind power project will be accelerated and further mature development in European market will become the main driving force. The report predicts that from 2017 to 2026, the global offshore wind power industry will grow steadily with a compound average growth rate of 16%.
Chinese market began to accelerate
China's offshore market has started to accelerate, with 12 projects now under construction. China Taiwan firmly supports the development of offshore wind power and raises the target of wind power capacity from 3 GW to 5.5 GW in 2025. The relatively high level of subsidies for on-grid tariffs and the open and friendly attitude toward foreign investment have contributed to the excellent market development in Taiwan. The reserve capacity for applying for environmental impact assessment now exceeds 12 GW. In addition, South Korea's 30-megawatt project has been put into operation recently. This project represents a significant milestone in the Asia-Pacific market because the wind fields in the area were previously demonstration projects or located in shallow water areas. Driven by policy support and high electricity prices, the demand for offshore wind power in the U.S. market is also on the rise. In particular, the major power demand centers in the northeast such as New York and Boston are even worse.
Emerging markets want to flex their muscles in the offshore wind power industry, there are many factors need help. According to the report, non-state-owned developers are still cautious in the development and construction of offshore projects in light of the project's profitability despite the fact that the development costs in the Chinese market have been gradually reduced. With the maturity of the offshore wind value chain, the reduction of construction costs and the increase of fan operating records, it is expected that the offshore wind power industry in China will achieve rapid development around 2020 and no longer rely on more support mechanisms. Other markets in the Asia Pacific region are limited by the development of wind power installation vessels and supply chains or will slow down in the near term.
