Abstract
This study investigates the optimal site location and conceptual design of an offshore Floating Modular Energy Island (FMEI) for the United Kingdom, with the aim of supporting the nation’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The study evaluates the integration of multiple renewable energy sources, including floating offshore wind turbines, floating photovoltaic solar panels and wave energy converters, to form a scalable and modular energy island. The framework used three criteria groups: technical (wind power density, wave energy potential, solar irradiance), economic (shore distance, water depth, shipping lanes, cables/pipelines), and environmental (buffer zones around marine protected areas). Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, weights of 44.3% for technical, 38.7% for economic, and 16.9% for environmental factors were applied, identifying five promising UK sites for FMEI deployment. Site 3 emerged as the optimal location, offering strong renewable resources and favourable proximity to shore. A conceptual design proposed a layout featuring an octagonal platform, comprising eight 10 MW floating wind turbines on WindFloat T-unit platforms, floating solar platforms and wave energy systems, totalling an estimated annual energy output of 494,170 MWh. The study concludes that FMEIs can significantly contribute to the UK’s renewable energy production.