[eisa01]

I'm not sure I would be that cynic:

- Statoil took over Hywind in 2008 when they acquired the O&G division of Hydro, and set up the first test turbine in 2009

- Shell is also active in offshore wind, so this is not limited to majority state owned companies

Offshore wind could be competitive in the early 2020's without subsidies, depending on your assumption of fossil fuel and CO2 prices

Bottom line: Floating offshore wind could be very promising in areas with deep water, such as Japan, so I would not call this busy work

[wonton2]

I agree with your bottom line. I was going to say they have talked about wind farms at sea since 2008, but that fits well with what you say. I see I seem too cynical, but i still think they are very late to the game. Especially considering how far denmark have come, given this project probably is inspired by the danish focus on wind power, and the competency of Statoil on offshore constructions.

[jononor]

Have the danish deployed floating off-shore wind farms?

[cr1895]

They have not.

http://offshorewind2017.com/files/media-and-press/Offshore-W...

[cr1895]

Offshore wind can be competitive now, without subsidies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/business/energy-environme...

[eisa01]

Those are the projects I'm referring to, they will come online in early 2020's and use turbines that are not currently available

They are subject to final investment decision in 2020/21, so could be scrapped if commodity and CO2 prices don't move favorably