Wind energy is one of the key drivers of the green transition in Europe. While traditional offshore wind farms are limited to shallow waters, floating wind technology opens up opportunities to harness the abundant energy resources in deep-water areas.
Project I3FLOAT aims to accelerate the deployment of these technologies by building a Southern interregional value chain and creating conditions for faster market uptake of innovations. The project brings together leading clusters, research organizations, and companies from across Europe, with the ambition to strengthen the EU’s international role in the development of floating wind energy.
Main Activities
The project focuses on developing and implementing innovations in five key areas:
Design and New Materials – developing sustainable, lighter, and more cost-effective structures for floating foundations.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Efficiency – optimizing processes, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness.
Logistics and Installation – new solutions for transporting and installing large structures in deep-water conditions.
Post-Prototype Activities and Business Models – validating technologies and developing sustainable market strategies.
Connectivity and Maintenance – solutions for reliable operation, monitoring, and long-term management.
Additionally, a cascading funding scheme will be established, allowing companies and organizations in the sector to submit projects addressing specific challenges.
Consortium and Partners
The consortium brings together 24 partners from 8 countries:
Cluster de Energía (BEC) – Spain (Coordinator)
Technology and energy clusters from France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and more
Marine Cluster Bulgaria (MCB) – Bulgaria, with a significant role in disseminating results, engaging national companies, and connecting the Bulgarian maritime industry to the European value chain
Expected Results and Impact
Creation of an interregional innovation network for floating wind energy
Reduction of development and installation costs for floating turbines
Accelerated transition from lab-scale innovations to commercial applications
Strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in the sector
Creation of new opportunities for Bulgarian companies in renewable energy and maritime technologies
Keywords
Floating wind | Renewable energy | Interregional ecosystems | Innovation | Blue economy
