Industrial development of the offshore wind supply chain in new markets

Abstract

The offshore wind installed capacity has increased significantly in the last decade in European and Asian countries, as a result of the turbine technological development and the reduction in the leveled cost of energy. To further reduce the cost of this source, it is important to gain experience in the sector's supply chain. Due to the increase in the turbine components sizes, which made transport logistics complex, and the great potential identified in new markets, the industrial development of the regional chain can contribute to greater competitiveness in the sector. In addition, the development can lead to economic growth, job creation and improvement of regional infrastructure. This study aims to propose a model of the industrial development process of the offshore wind supply chain in new markets. The research was carried out in three phases: theoretical research, field research and structuring of results. i) In the theoretical research, the systematic literature review method was used with the analysis of 94 publications on the topic of creating new paths, industrial development of wind energy and its chain, and the existing synergies with the onshore wind, oil and offshore gas and other industrial sectors. As a result, four phases were systematized: identification of the need for the new sector; sectoral and industrial planning; industrial development and maturity; and sectoral and industrial renewal or decline. ii) In the field research, a case study of the industrial development of the offshore wind supply chain was conducted in countries with a mature chain: Denmark, Germany and United Kingdom, and with an emerging chain: China and Taiwan. iii) The third phase included the analysis of the results and structuring of the model proposal. Due to the characteristics of offshore wind turbine technology and its accelerated technological development, and considering the examples of countries such as Taiwan and China, we consider relevant for new markets the industrial development of the supply chain close regions with the installation of offshore wind projects. As a result, the proposed model comprises four phases: identification of the need for the new sector; sectoral and industrial planning; industrial development and maturity; and sectoral and industrial renewal or decline. The model has two main characteristics: the first, considers the systemic view of a sector, through the description of its life cycle, and the second presents the main actions required in each phase. Finally, the study provides elements that contribute to the debate, structuring and development of public policies for the industrial development of a new sector.