Portugal has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a large-scale offshore wind energy cluster in the Atlantic Ocean, with the potential to reach 10 GW in capacity. This marks a significant step toward the country's renewable energy goals.
Last week, the government approved four designated ocean areas for offshore wind farm installations, totaling more than 2,000 square kilometers. These zones have already undergone a strategic environmental assessment, ensuring compliance with sustainable development goals.
Lídia Bulcão, Secretary of State for the Sea, highlighted the plan’s potential to create a robust offshore renewable energy sector. "It will allow the development of the offshore renewable energy cluster in Portugal," she said.
Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the government's target to allocate 2 GW through power auctions by 2030. "Our ambitions go beyond that," Carvalho added. "As the process matures, we may license up to 10 GW gradually. We are taking decisive steps in this area."
The government aims to build industry scale, attract investment, and foster technological innovation while ensuring transparency and sustainability.
Portugal already operates a small-scale, 25 MW floating wind project off the coast of Viana do Castelo, owned by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP and Engie. This project serves as a foundation for future developments.
Several major companies have expressed interest in Portugal's forthcoming offshore wind auction. These include Germany's BayWa, the IberBlue Wind consortium, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and a joint venture between Portugal's Galp and France's TotalEnergies.
The offshore wind cluster is expected to boost Portugal’s renewable energy industry, providing economic growth opportunities while adhering to environmental standards. "The plan promotes transparency and legal certainty," said Bulcão. "It ensures that economic growth and technological innovation are achieved sustainably." Portugal plans to hold its first offshore wind auction this year.
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