【欧洲专利局】2023海上风能专利洞察报告_59页_2mb

Executive Summary
Offshore wind energy is a key renewable source for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable energy goals (SDGs). This report analyzes patent data from 2002 to 2022, covering about 17,000 patent families, to track innovation trends. Key findings include a surge in patent filings from 2017 onward, with China leading domestic filings but Europe dominating international patents. Top companies like Vestas and Siemens are central to innovation. Emerging technologies focus on floating foundations, direct-drive systems, larger blades, and green hydrogen storage. Policy insights highlight the need for further R&D in deep-water foundations, logistics, and hybrid systems to accelerate energy transition.

Patent Trends

• Global patent filings peaked in 2022 with approximately 17,000 families, showing rapid growth after stagnation in 2014-2017.
• China leads total filings (52% of all families), but only 4% are international. Europe's EPC countries account for 79% of their filings being international.
• Vestas (Denmark) holds the most international patent families (IPFs) overall, followed by Siemens (Germany) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan).
• Floating foundations and energy storage (especially hydrogen) are hotspots for innovation, with US and Chinese applicants showing strong activity.

Technology Insights

• Foundations: Floating solutions gained 80% of patents in 2022, driven by deeper-water potential, with US leadership.
• Drivetrains: Direct-drive systems increased to 80% of IPFs by 2022, favoring permanent magnet generators; Denmark, Germany, and the US are key.
• Blades: Patent filings for larger, modular designs rose, with Denmark accounting for 85% of recent innovations, addressing material sustainability.
• Energy Storage: Hydrogen storage via electrolysers saw a fourfold IPF increase since 2017, led by the US, focusing on cost-effective integration with offshore wind.
• Grid and Cables: Submarine cables and HVDC transmission gained traction, with France as a niche leader, supported by digital optimization.

Policy Insights

• Patent data indicate increasing focus on floating foundations, green hydrogen, and logistics, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
• China's domestic focus requires stronger technology transfer to international markets.
• Collaboration between industry, academia, and policy makers is urged to address gaps in energy storage, hybrid systems, and grid infrastructure.

Conclusion
The rise in patent filings reflects strong innovation in offshore wind energy, driven by cost reductions and sustainability needs. Countries and companies must continue R&D in floating foundations, direct-drive systems, and hydrogen storage to meet climate targets. Policymakers should leverage patent data to identify R&D priorities, fostering collaboration to enhance energy transition. Offshore wind holds potential for significant growth if challenges in deep-water deployment and material efficiency are addressed.