Independent renewable energy company Qair and Etermar Energia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offshore wind projects in the Iberian Peninsula.

Etermar Energia signed the MoU during a visit to Qair's Eolmed, a 30MW floating offshore wind project in Port-La Nouvelle, France.

The MoU outlines a partnership in the construction and operation of floating offshore wind farms, particularly within Portuguese maritime spatial planning zones.

The collaboration will cover component stockpiling, foundation manufacturing, logistical support, and operation and maintenance services, leveraging Qair's renewable energy project development expertise.

Etermar, with more than five decades of experience in constructing and installing floating structures, plans to establish a floating foundation manufacturing facility in Setubal, Portugal.

This development will serve the European market and meet global demand, positioning Etermar as a competitive provider with a broad technology portfolio.

Etermar Energia executive director Luis Machado stated: “This partnership with Qair marks a significant step in our commitment to advancing floating offshore wind energy in the Iberian Peninsula.

“We are eager to leverage our expertise and resources to contribute to the growth of sustainable energy solutions.

“This MoU demonstrates the market’s confidence in Etermar Energia and our vision for the future of offshore wind.”

Qair, with more than three decades in wind and solar energy, continues to pursue innovation in renewable power, adopting a comprehensive approach to harness natural resources effectively.

Qair Renewables Iberica general manager Inigo Viani stated: “Collaborating with Etermar Energia aligns with Qair’s multi-local strategy, which aims to guarantee a local content approach.

“Offshore wind projects are more than renewable energy projects - they are socioeconomical proposals by themselves, and our goal is to benefit as much as possible the regions where we will be operating.”

In August 2024, Qair acquired a majority stake in Green Switch Capital, a UK renewable energy developer specialising in offshore wind, solar and storage projects.