TGS and Entrion Wind Release Market Analysis of Next-Generation Offshore Wind Foundations

KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY – A new joint study from TGS, a global leader in energy data and analytics, and Entrion Wind, a pioneer in offshore foundation engineering, presents a strategic outlook on the future of fixed-bottom offshore wind. The report explores the market potential and economic viability of the Fully Restrained Platform (FRP) monopile, a new foundation solution designed to extend monopile deployment into deeper waters ranging from 60 to 120 meters.

As offshore wind development shifts into deeper and more complex environments, foundation technology is under pressure to evolve. Leveraging TGS’s 4C Offshore database, which tracks over 3,400 offshore wind projects globally, the study identified more than 2,000 active developments targeting deeper waters. Under a mid-case growth scenario, FRP monopiles could support up to 44.4 GW of global offshore wind capacity by 2040, with Europe and Asia representing the largest opportunities.

The analysis found that Taiwan leads with an estimated 8.5 GW of potential capacity, followed by the United Kingdom at 7.2 GW. Additional viable markets include the Mediterranean region and East Asia. In contrast, the United States has seen a forecast contraction, directing industry focus toward markets with stronger policy frameworks and favorable seabed conditions.

To evaluate cost competitiveness, the study included a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) assessment using a six percent weighted average cost of capital. The results show that FRP monopiles reach near cost parity with conventional monopiles at 60 meters, with differences ranging from –€1.6 to +€3.4 per MWh. 

Compared to jacket foundations, FRP monopiles provide savings between €5.5 and €9.6 per MWh. Against floating foundations, the cost advantage is even greater—ranging from €7.6 to €31.6 per MWh—with the most pronounced savings projected around 2030.

“This collaborative study highlights the importance of detailed market intelligence in advancing offshore wind technologies,” said Will Ashby, Executive Vice President of New Energy Solutions at TGS. “By applying our global project data and analytical capabilities, we’ve rigorously evaluated the FRP monopile’s potential to expand the viable envelope for fixed-bottom foundations. This level of analysis gives developers and investors confidence in selecting the most appropriate solutions for emerging deepwater sites.”

The report also forecasts rapid market expansion, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 35.7 percent between 2030 and 2035, tapering to 28.6 percent from 2030 through 2040—growth rates that align with independent studies of FRP monopile technology. While existing installation vessels can accommodate most pre-2035 projects in water depths below 80 meters, the launch of next-generation vessels after 2035 will be essential to sustain momentum as deeper, larger structures become the norm. 

“At Entrion Wind, we are committed to continuously validating the potential of the FRP monopile through data-driven analysis,” says Bjørnar Eide, CFO of Entrion Wind. “Partnering with a globally respected organization like TGS has enabled us to further evaluate our technology at scale.”

Key findings and regional insights will be presented at the Global Offshore Wind 2025 conference in London. 

For more information and to access the full report, please contact Entrion Wind or visit https://www.entrionwind.com/partners/joint-market-analysis

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

About Entrion Wind

Entrion Wind is advancing the future of offshore wind through its patented Fully Restrained Platform (FRP) monopile—a foundation system designed to extend the use of monopile technology into water depths of 60 to 120 meters. Central to this innovation is the proprietary Top Mooring Assembly (TMA), which enhances lateral stiffness and stability without adding complexity to installation. By leveraging existing technologies and supply chains, Entrion Wind enables a cost-effective, scalable solution for deep water offshore wind development. www.entrionwind.com