Core Viewpoint - The development of offshore wind power in Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany, is under scrutiny due to ambitious government targets for 30-50 GW installations by 2030, despite reports of projects being unprofitable or abandoned. Understanding the economic viability requires analyzing both Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) [2]. Group 1: LCOE Analysis - LCOE, or Levelized Cost of Electricity, represents the average cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) over the lifespan of a power plant, calculated by dividing total lifecycle costs by total electricity generated [4]. - For offshore wind in the UK, the weighted average total installed cost is approximately $3,514 per kW, while in Germany, it is about $3,000 per kW [8]. - The capacity factors are around 52% for the UK and 46% for Germany, with operation and maintenance costs averaging $84 per kW/year in the UK and $88 per kW/year in Germany [9]. - The estimated LCOE for UK offshore wind is about $0.073 per kWh, while for Germany, it is approximately $0.075 per kWh, aligning closely with the European average of $0.08 per kWh [10]. - The 2024 weighted average LCOE is reported as $0.059 per kWh for the UK and $0.069 per kWh for Germany, indicating a discrepancy with earlier calculations due to changes in financing and construction costs since 2018-2020 [10]. Group 2: IRR Considerations - IRR, or Internal Rate of Return, assesses the profitability of a project, factoring in financing structure, electricity market prices, and costs [12]. - The UK utilizes Contracts for Difference (CfD) to stabilize income expectations, with the latest allocation round (AR6) resulting in strike prices between £54-59 per MWh, translating to approximately $0.104-$0.113 per kWh [14][17]. - The expected IRR for the AR6 offshore wind projects in the UK is estimated to be between 10%-20%, indicating a potentially attractive return [17]. - In contrast, Germany's approach has involved "subsidy-free" auctions, where developers must sell electricity without government guarantees, leading to challenges in securing bids due to market price volatility [20]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The urgency for energy independence in Europe, particularly post-Russia-Ukraine conflict, has highlighted the need for sustainable energy sources, with offshore wind power being a key component due to its stability and capacity factors [30]. - Despite short-term profitability concerns, governments are committed to supporting offshore wind through subsidies and policy measures, viewing it as a strategic asset for energy security and industrial revitalization [30].