Portugal relies on wind power: Ocean Winds is planning massive investments!

Portugal relies on wind power: Ocean Winds is planning massive investments!

Portugal is planning a significant expansion in offshore wind energy. The company Ocean Winds is seeking increased investment and there are positive signals from the government regarding the auction models for offshore wind turbines. Project leader José Pinheiro announced that the possible start of the auctions is expected this year or 2026. In April, a decree was also published in the Portuguese Official Journal setting out the framework for the tender process. These auctions are part of the National Maritime Spatial Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (PAER), which earmarks more than 2,700 km² of sea area for wind turbines, such as theportugalnews.com reported.

The development of offshore wind energy is promoted by the PAER, which aims to develop Portugal's offshore renewable energy, with a strong focus on commercial offshore wind farms. The planned areas for wind turbines include Viana do Castelo (0.8 GW), Leixões (2.5 GW), Figueira da Foz (4.6 GW) and Sines (1.5 GW). Currently, Portugal already has a small floating offshore wind power plant, WindFloat Atlantic, which was commissioned in 2020 and has produced over 345 GWh of electricity since it was connected to the grid. Around 25,000 households were supplied with electricity and over 33,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided.

Goals and challenges

The PAER aims to install 2 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and identifies areas with high renewable energy potential to support the energy transition and decarbonization of the economy. The goals include promoting energy security and self-sufficiency and developing a blue economy, while protecting marine ecosystems. The approval of the PAER represents a significant step towards the initial auctions for offshore wind capacity rivieramm.com reported.

However, while progress appears promising, global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties may result in delays in the implementation of plans. Ocean Winds has developed expertise in WindFloat technology for floating wind turbines over the last five years and is now ready to scale this technology to unlock the potential of offshore wind power. A public consultation on the plan was launched in October 2023, focusing on six potential areas: Viana do Castelo Norte, Viana do Castelo South, Leixões, Figueira da Foz, Ericeira and Sines.