Floating Wind Finds Its Footing Across Europe

Europe’s floating wind surge accelerates as major players secure deep-water opportunities and push the sector toward rapid commercial scale

4 Dec 2025

Europe’s floating wind sector is gathering speed, fueled by fresh project approvals, bold partnerships, and rising investor confidence that is reshaping offshore energy. Once seen as experimental, floating wind is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic growth arenas, and recent developments suggest the pace is only intensifying.

Momentum strengthened when the 25 MW Provence Grand Large (PGL) project in France secured a key certification from Bureau Veritas, clearing a crucial step and signaling that large-scale floating platforms are ready to expand. Soon after, Ocean Winds won new rights to develop a floating site in the Celtic Sea, a milestone widely viewed as a breakthrough for commercial deep-water deployment. Together, these wins mark a turning point in Europe’s pursuit of wind resources previously out of reach.

This surge is driven by technological progress and strategic necessity. Floating turbines unlock deeper waters where winds are stronger and more consistent, offering developers a pathway to long-term energy security and reduced reliance on imported fuels. European governments increasingly view floating wind as central to their clean energy strategy. Market analysts draw parallels to the early days of fixed-bottom offshore wind, noting that floating wind is entering its commercial moment with a pace that is faster and more coordinated than many expected.

Partnerships are emerging as a core force behind this expansion. Ocean Winds, Siemens Gamesa, and SBM Offshore are tightening alliances, strengthening supply chains, and preparing for industrial scale construction. The MARINEWIND consortium added momentum with a cost-modeling tool that gives investors and policymakers clearer visibility into project economics. One project lead said the tool is shifting conversations from possibility to planning, a view echoed across the sector.

Challenges remain. Floating wind is still costlier than traditional offshore installations, and many European ports require upgrades to handle massive floating platforms. Supply chain constraints and lengthy permitting cycles could also hinder progress. Yet industry leaders remain confident. As one director at Ocean Winds noted, the market is opening faster than the infrastructure, and the sector is ready to meet that challenge.

With governments signaling long-term support and developers accelerating plans, Europe’s floating wind rise shows no sign of slowing. The technology is no longer a future promise but an emerging pillar of the continent’s energy landscape, and its transformation is already underway.