RWE will collaborate with the Port Authority of Setúbal in Portugal to develop a logistics hub for floating offshore wind energy.
RWE and the authority will explore the potential of the port, located south of the capital city Lisbon, to become an industrial hub for the marshalling, assembly and deployment of key components for floating wind projects, such as floating substructures and mooring systems.
The Portuguese Government is banking on the potential of floating offshore wind technology, based on the country’s water depths, wind speed and 2,500km coastline.
RWE Offshore Wind country lead for Portugal Álvaro de Miguel commented: “Portugal is well-positioned to become a key market in the floating offshore wind sector. Enhancing port capacity and supply chains is crucial for the successful deployment of commercial-scale projects. This will create opportunities to attract investment, spur growth and generate skilled employment.”
Port Authority of Setúbal board chairman Carlos Correia added: “Our port is suitable for the future needs of the growing floating wind industry.”
Portugal is gearing up for its highly anticipated inaugural offshore wind auction, launched in late 2023, as the government continues to encourage private investment in the national renewable energy sector. More than 50 developers have expressed interest, with some companies such as Ocean Winds and Martifer Renewables establishing strategic partnerships to bid for the tender.
The country currently has one floating offshore wind farm located off Viana do Castelo, which is the first in Europe. WindFloat Atlantic has three turbines supported by semi-submersible floating structures and is expected to be decommissioned in 2045.
Portugal aims to achieve a 47% share of renewable energy in its total energy consumption by 2030, with wind contributing 10.4GW of capacity.
Power Technology’s parent company, GlobalData, reports that in 2023, onshore wind dominated Portugal’s renewable power capacity mix with a share of 52.5%. By 2030, solar PV is estimated to have a share of 67.5% in the renewable capacity mix whereas onshore wind is forecast to cover 26.5%, and offshore wind 0.21–3GW.
