Succeeding Within Floating Offshore Wind

Abstract

If the world is going to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement from 2015, one is dependent on a large-scale restructuring of the economy, policy and the ways we use and produce todays energy. This thesis analyses different conditions that are needed in order for Norway to succeed producing renewable energy through floating offshore wind. Our aim is to answer the following research question: “What measures are important when it comes to succeeding and expanding within an emerging market of floating offshore wind for Norway in order to develop a more sustainable production level within the industry?” The capabilities, knowledge, technology and resource base that are achieved through the petroleum and maritime sectors gives Norway a competitive advantage when it comes to diversifying towards the floating offshore wind industry. It provides Norwegian firms a special position towards being able to develop concepts, adapt and to optimize them towards the floating wind technology. The thesis is based on a combination of casual, descriptive and exploratory research designs. We made one main research question and four sub-questions. To answer these, we performed several qualitative in-depth interviews with key actors within and one actor outside the industry, we also benefitted from using previous case studies, reports, firm documents and articles. There are measures that are essential in order to succeed and expand within the industry. We think that the Norwegian players within the industry should continue their good work towards innovating within products and processes, reduce costs and strive to succeed internationally. Our research indicates that the industry will give certain firms the technological learning that is needed to expand, but this development depends on firms’ dynamic capabilities, innovation processes, knowledge, network and available resources. The Norwegian Government and firms need to develop the industry together and initiate in the improvement of a home market with a local supply chain. To utilize this opportunity, you need to include local firms and to maintain or develop comprehensive political instruments that can aid the development process before it is too late. The Government needs to develop or implement subsidiaries, tax reductions, strengthening or inventing new incentives towards investment to reduce the overall risk for firms. With these changes, there is a great chance of strengthening the Norwegian technology industry and develop a strong local supply chain within the industry that can be compared to what was done in the petroleum industry.