Top 10 Offshore Wind Opportunities in 2025
New global leaders, rapidly evolving technologies, the AI revolution, and looming environmental leaders – 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the offshore wind industry. With the many changes on the horizon, or already underway, new opportunities are available for contractors and clients alike.
At UTM Consultants, we help people find opportunities in their field, matching the right talents with reputable projects. In this article, we analyse Esgian’s report on market predictions for 2025 and how they might impact the job and project landscape into the future.
Looking for support with offshore wind roles? Get in touch today.
1. Is the future of offshore wind at risk?
We’ll start by addressing the negative rhetoric that some politicians have against offshore wind. Renewable energy is the way of the future, but not all global leaders are on the same page. Some comments made may make it seem like the offshore wind industry is in danger, but this is far from the case.
For active projects, adverse sentiment is unlikely to have any major impact, as the time and monetary investments make it hard to cancel them. These projects need new roles all the time, so the job market in this area will remain stable.
Additionally, offshore wind is a long-term industry and won’t be impacted too heavily from a single election cycle. Only time will tell what the future holds, but it is likely the offshore wind projects will hold fast through it all.
2. Increases in heavy lift vessel orders
Newly developed heavy lift vessels are a massive opportunity for manufacturers, developers, and many offshore wind roles. In particular, there is a high demand for installation vessels for foundation work, which may lead to more job opportunities for offshore surveyance, inspection, and related roles.
While these heavy lift vessel orders are already underway, they’re expected to be deployed somewhere between 2028 and 2030, making this an opportune time to get involved with this evolving part of the industry.
3. PPAs vs subsidies
Some of the largest European offshore wind markets like Germany and the Netherland have been awarding large sites (1-2 GWs) to developers. However, many existing subsidies are being rescinded, or are meeting their natural end.
This means a switch to PPAs is the likely progression for offshore wind. Larger companies will be able to capitalise on massive PPA ventures, opening up tons of jobs as they do so, while smaller companies may band together or work on smaller, bundled PPA agreements.
4. How competitive is offshore wind leasing?
As bid writers, industry bodies, and government entities continue to make fine-tuned adjustments to the leasing process, so too are we seeing a record number of countries hosting leasing rounds. This increase in opportunities means developers can be more selective with their bids, resulting in more refined projects and potential increases in profitability across the board.
It is up to each individual market to determine their rules, so working with a global consultancy like UTM gives you broad reach – preventing you from relying on a single country which could make work harder to find, and opening you up to opportunities in markets where support is in high demand.
5. Scottish grid constraints
Unfortunately, despite Scotland’s world-class offshore wind potential, the actual application of it has been lacking. In 2024, the capacity for almost all Scottish wind farms underperformed in 2024 compared to their northern-England counterparts. The transmission systems in place are the leading cause of this, and mean that offshore wind projects in this area will likely continue to fall short of their full potential.
Developments in the Scottish grid, along with increasingly refined transmission and energy storage systems, could be the key to unlocking the true power of Scottish offshore wind.
Explore innovations in offshore wind energy storage >
6. Larger turbine models are on the way
China have long been the top dog when it comes to turbine production, with Chinese suppliers releasing higher-capacity turbine models from their domestic factories, year on year.
However, the market may change with European suppliers being rumoured to have 15.5MW and 22MW turbines on the way in 2025. This show that Europe is still in the running for advances in turbine tech, and that many opportunities are still available in the logistics, supply chain, and R&D for offshore wind.
Learn more about advancements in wind turbine technology >
7. Nordic transmission system restrictions
High energy prices in Germany and Nordic countries have meant that weaknesses in transmission systems could result in energy isolation. By keeping more of their energy to themselves, they could drive down domestic prices for energy. As a result, other countries would have to source their energy from elsewhere, increasing the demand for reliable renewable energy such as offshore wind.
Power2X stands as a potential solution – a high-efficiency battery storage system that could change the scenery and protect people from higher energy costs.
8. New factories on the horizon
Several major players in the offshore wind industry have given their stances on new factory productions:
· MingYang SE is building a new factory in Scotland, their first outside of their domestic market in China.
· Vestas are also considering a new factory in Scotland.
· GE Vernova have deprioritised wind, making a new factory development unlikely.
· Siemens Gamesa’s plans are currently unclear.
MingYang’s move in particular is expected to increase manufacturing job opportunities and improve immediate accessibility to wind turbines in Europe, but could result in hindered progress for Europe’s own internal supply chain.
9. Floating wind technology to become more refined
More awards for floating wind projects mean an increase in analytics available. As a result, preferred technologies and efficiencies are likely to emerge, revealing core metrics and allowing the sector to narrow its focus. From this, technology and the industry itself will be able to scale up, posing great opportunities for experts in floating wind R&D and other parts of the offshore wind industry.
10. Could defence concerns put a halt to offshore wind projects?
A unique case in the history of offshore wind projects occurred in November 2024, when 13 Swedish ventures were cancelled abruptly over defence concerns. This was brought about due to the exposed geographical area and proximity to potential threats.
Minimal impact is expected in other contested areas, although defence interests are still pushing back against potential project initiations and scope. Project planners will have to be creative to ensure the offshore wind industry can continue to keep up with global energy demands.
Capitalise on Offshore Wind Opportunities with UTM Consultants
With so many moving components in the offshore wind industry, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t let the emergent opportunities slip away – make the most of this exciting time for offshore energy by working together with UTM Consultants.
Our experts have all the industry knowledge required to put your skills to use on engaging projects around the globe. This matches you up with reliable work from reputable sources, and provides ample opportunities to test and develop your skills. For clients and contractors alike, find out more by contacting the team today!
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