Offshore wind supply chain constraints

The offshore wind sector is navigating uncharted waters, as it grapples with a fresh set of challenges in cost escalation and supply chain pressures. Developers, used to declining costs for offshore wind projects, had assumed that these would continue, or at least not increase; however, rapid growth in demand combined with historical underinvestment in the supply chain has swung the industry from a buyer's market to a seller's market. These unwelcome headwinds have prompted some projects to halt development and pay contract termination fees for early exit. This leaves the offshore wind industry at a critical juncture. This report closely examines supply-chain constraints across vessels, foundations, blades, towers and nacelles, and discusses seven key factors shaping the supply chain build-out.