Offshore Wind Power Growth and Industrial Development in Emerging Markets

Abstract

Offshore wind has developed significantly over the past decade, and promising new markets are emerging, such as Brazil, South Africa, India, Poland, and Turkey. As logistic transport activities increase complexities, developing regional supply chains can help to reduce costs and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. This article proposes a framework for the industrial development of the offshore wind supply chain in new markets. This study is grounded in a systematic literature review and is validated through a multi-case study, identifying key variables and factors influencing industrial growth. Adopting a process-based approach, factors and variables were modeled into a framework, encompassing the following four phases: (1) demand assessment of a new sector, (2) sectorial and industrial planning, (3) industrial development and maturity, and (4) sectorial and industrial renewal or decline. Each phase brings together a group of policies. Our findings show the policies’ interrelations. These results complement the few studies that have examined the industrial development process, providing a clear guide as to the process for the development of the offshore wind industry in specific regions. Thus, the framework provides elements that contribute as a valuable tool to the debate, structuring, and development of public policies for the industrial development of a new sector.