Split incentives in shared waters: Introducing a multi-actor techno-economic assessment framework for offshore wind decommissioning

The end-of-life of offshore wind presents a growing challenge for sustainable energy, as decommissioning remains shaped by uncertainty. Yet, existing assessments often overlook a crucial dimension: the diverging incentives of offshore wind farm owners and marine contractors. This study aims to assess the economic feasibility of decommissioning from a multi-actor perspective. To this end, a Multi-Actor Techno-Economic Assessment (MATEA) framework is introduced and applied, combining process-based modelling with actor-specific cash flow analysis. The framework is implemented for a Belgian offshore wind farm, evaluating seven decommissioning scenarios based on collaborative industry data. The results show that total decommissioning costs for the owner range between €322,000 and €414,000 per MW, while the contractor achieves net profits of €18,000 to €61,000 per MW. Dismantling strategies, defined by the vessels and processes used, have a stronger impact on costs than the extent of component removal. Foundation removal is the main cost driver for the owner and the primary profit source for the contractor, revealing a structural misalignment of incentives. Weather delays and vessel day rates emerge as dominant drivers of economic uncertainty, amplifying risk for asset owners. The results demonstrate that operational choices, rather than removal requirements alone, determine economic feasibility and shape how costs and benefits are distributed across actors. These findings challenge the notion that full removal is inherently uneconomical and underline the need for regulatory clarity grounded in operational reality. The framework provides a transparent basis for evaluating decommissioning strategies and advancing more resilient and sustainable end-of-life practices in offshore wind.