The technology's soundness was somewhat proved through the numerical simulations of the final design and the small-scale water tank tests carried out with good results. Once proved in full, the technology is likely to contribute to deliver a competitive and sustainable technology, targeting a total potential offshore wind market development in Europe between 2020 and 2030 with estimated capacity additions of 30 to 45 GW during this period. Additionally, and assuming a 30 to 40% of potential market share for self-buoyant GBF solutions in the same period (meaning around 11 to 16GW), equivalent to 1470 to 2130 high capacity (7+ MW) turbines / foundations, and up to 12,4 % of total EU wind capacity in 2014 (128,8 GW) and above the current offshore installed capacity (8,2GW). Furthermore, the annual share of EU 28 electricity consumption met by this targeted offshore wind capacity would be between 1,5% and 2,2%, using as possible reference 2,798 TWh final electricity consumption in 2012 (According to EWEA report, the most recent Eurostat available data, released in January 2015).
The technology is also likely to nurture the development of the industrial capacity to produce components and systems and opening of new opportunities in Europe, since the project includes the development of several activities in Europe (contributions to new codes and standards, Development of novel monitoring and inspection techniques applicable to other offshore technologies, just to name a couple). Moreover, DEMOGRAVI3 would help to strengthen the European industrial technology base, thereby creating growth and jobs in Europe, by leveraging on the fast growing offshore wind industry and contributing to foster European jobs with all activities concerning DEMOGRAVI3. Finally the project would have a very relevant impact in solving the global climate and energy challenges by contributing to increase the wind capacity in Europe.
