20210531-IRENA-Tracking_the_Impacts_of_Innovation_Offshore_wind_as_a_case_study_56页_2mb

Offshore Wind Innovation and Market Development: Executive Summary

Introduction
This report analyzes the development of offshore wind technology from 2010 to 2019, focusing on the impacts of innovation support mechanisms. Offshore wind is examined as a case study to track progress in technology, costs, and market maturity. The methodology uses a set of indicators across three categories: the innovation ecosystem, technology progress, and market formation. The analysis highlights five key trends:

1. Growing Innovation Ecosystem

   • Scientific publications increased 2.5-fold, with China leading in patent filings.
   • RD&D collaborations and international conferences grew, fostering knowledge sharing.
   • Offshore wind patents grew fourfold, with European countries filing internationally.

2. Technology Advancements and Cost Declines

   • Installed costs dropped 28%, and LCOE fell 32%, driven by learning-by-doing, scale effects, and R&D.
   • Capacity factors increased by 18%, turbine sizes doubled, and rotor diameters expanded by 40%.
   • Floating wind technology emerged as a solution for deeper waters, requiring further R&D.

3. Market Maturation

   • Installed capacity grew ninefold to 28 GW, and electricity generation increased ninefold to 68 TWh.
   • Offshore wind's share in renewable energy mix rose to 1% (up from 0.2% in 2010).
   • Start-ups and trade flows indicate market consolidation and economic benefits.

Key Findings

• Offshore wind experienced significant technological and market progress between 2010 and 2019.
• RD&D inputs contributed to cost declines, performance improvements, and market expansion.
• The sector moved from early development to maturity, with opportunities for growth in floating wind.

Methodology Limitations

• The analysis does not quantify the link between R&D funding and outcomes, focusing instead on enabling innovation.
• Some factors, e.g., systemic innovation and supply chain dependencies, were excluded.
• Data g gathering was thorough but limited by availability, particularly for emerging indicators.

Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights into offshore wind's innovation trajectory. Future work will refine the methodology, explore additional indicators, and extend the analysis to other technologies.