There has been massive growth in floating offshore wind projects around the world in recent months, with Britain leading the way.
This was confirmed by fresh research from trade body RenewableUK, published to coincide with the start of the Floating Offshore Wind 2022 conference in Aberdeen yesterday.
The study shows the total pipeline of schemes globally has more than doubled in the last year.
There are now 185GW worth of projects, compared to 91GW this time a year ago.
During that time, the number of schemes - including those that are operational, under construction and approved - has increased from 130 to 230.
The EnergyPulse Insights report was compiled by RenewableUK's data experts.
Global lead
Energy Voice says it shows that Britain is maintaining its global lead in the field, with a pipeline of 33GW and 51 projects - up from 23GW and 29 projects last year.
Developments are being progressed in the North Sea, in both Scottish and English waters, as well as the Celtic Sea and the North Atlantic.
More than 100GW of floating capacity is being developed in Europe.
Of the 33.3GW in British waters, 29GW is north of the border - with a significant proportion coming from ScotWind.
Outside Europe, leasing areas off the west coast of the US, project proposals off the south-east coast of Australia and South Korea make up the majority of the rest of the capacity.
The report also notes that demand for floating foundations is expected to ramp up fast - with the potential for nearly 1,000 structures to be installed in UK waters by the end of 2030.
Surging ahead
RenewableUK's chief executive Dan McGrail told Energy Voice: "The growth of floating offshore wind is surging ahead at a phenomenal rate year-on-year around the world.
We're proud that the UK is a global leader in this innovative technology with nearly a fifth of the total pipeline - significantly greater than any other country.
"In the years ahead, as we build projects further out to sea where wind speeds are even stronger, floating wind will play a central role in proving cheap, clean electricity for British homes as well as boosting our energy security.
"It also offers a significant opportunity to build up a whole new industry in the UK, with a world-class supply chain which will enable us to export our expertise and state-of-the-art technology worldwide."
Let the winds of change blow
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce commented: "The Scotwind licencing round saw projects with a total generating capacity of 25GW given the green light. With three-quarters of the fields within 100 nautical miles of Aberdeen and required investment of £25billion, this region has an incredible opportunity to become a global leader in offshore wind, specifically floating technologies supported by our world class subsea and wider energy supply chains.
"Backed up by commitments from bp and TotalEnergies to make Aberdeen global hubs for their offshore wind activities."