Offshore wind energy is in the fast lane and picking up speed. Driven by rapidly falling costs and technological innovation, offshore wind capacity grew by 25 percent between 2016 and 2017. Speaking at the Oceans Partnership Summit during G7, IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin underlined the potential of offshore renewable energy to meet energy demand, stimulate economic growth and generate employment.
Compared to other renewable energy technologies, offshore wind still makes up a small part of global power generation. Today, there is slightly less than 19 gigawatts of installed offshore capacity, two-thirds of which is generated by G7 countries.
IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin said: “Offshore power has wind in its sails as it has now developed into a commercially mature technology. If growth trends continue along with more enabling regulatory environments and standardisation it will be key for global efforts to decarbonise the energy sector and meet climate objectives. G7 countries have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by further accelerating the development of offshore renewables, while reaping its socio-economic benefits.” IRENA