Floating offshore wind in the Nordic synchronous area: Resource potential, geographical smoothing, and storage integration

The Nordic synchronous area strives to achieve a fossil-free energy system, requiring significant expansion of renewable electricity generation. While onshore wind power is technologically mature, offshore wind, particularly floating installations, offers access to stronger and more consistent wind resources in deeper waters. In this study, the potential of floating offshore wind power in the Nordic synchronous area is evaluated through a 21-year (2004-2024) wind resource analysis using ERA5 reanalysis data for 11 geographically distributed sites across several seas. A MATLAB-based model was developed to simulate the wind power generation. Simulating local compressed air energy storage at each site and centralized hydropower storage, the total losses and curtailments of the proposed system are determined. A system with both local and centralized storage demonstrates greater reliability in providing a baseload to the grid than a system with only local storage. Additionally, the geographical smoothing significantly reduces variability, with correlation between sites decaying exponentially with distance. The system has the potential to provide 187.3 TWh annually. Furthermore, the seasonal variation in the Nordic synchronous area was integrated into the model. It showed higher demand during the winter and lower demand during the summer, and demonstrated reliability in providing a baseload to the grid, with an annual output of 189.5 TWh. Floating offshore wind, combined with local storage and existing hydropower flexibility, can contribute to the Nordic synchronous area for baseload supply and enhance system reliability while expanding generation and supporting the region's decarbonization goals.