Floating wind turbines: the key to clean electricity for everyone?

Floating wind turbines: the key to clean electricity for everyone?

On July 17, 2025, floating wind turbines are the focus of a current debate about the future of energy supply. This technology could significantly exceed atomic energy, especially the small modular reactors (SMR). According to a report by Econews , the global economy is increasingly concerned with the concentration of power and not necessarily with favorable and clean electricity for all.

The costs for floating offshore wind energy are according to a study by the University of Lisbon (2023) at € 14 to € 18 ct/kWh. The first steps towards mass production and technological progress could reduce costs to 5 to 7 ct/kWh. In contrast, the nuclear power of SMR achieves costs of 7 to 11 ct/kWh on behalf of "Confindustria", but only under certain conditions, such as the common use with Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR).

Comparison of energy costs

A central problem is that SMR current cannot be generated at the above prices if AMRS is not available. In addition, the long -term final bearing costs of atomic waste, which has to be stored over several thousand years, will not be taken into account. These challenges raise the question of whether states with access to the sea that opt for nuclear power actually act in the best interest of their population and economy.

The discussion about offshore wind energy is reinforced by global development in this sector. According to information from IREA shows the market for floating offshore wind power an enormous growth potential. AS of 2023 is the worldwide capacity of floating wind turbines around 270 MW, with another 244 GW in the global pipeline for new projects. The G7 countries are particularly committed to the expansion of this technology and also offer their expertise emerging and development economies (Emdes).

sustainability and efficiency of renewable energies

The urgency to reconsider conventional energy systems results from increasing environmental worries and climate change. Renewable energies based on natural resources such as sunlight, wind and water not only offer the possibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. According to knowing the efficiency of renewable energies is a central research area, since these technologies are becoming increasingly cost-efficient. Wind power can achieve efficiencies of up to 50% at optimal locations.