The development of offshore wind energy in Spain is going through a decisive moment.Despite the country's unquestionable potential to lead this technology at the European level, the lack of regulatory progress is beginning to hinder investment, employment, and industrial value opportunities on our shores. Both the Wind Business Association (AEE) such as Offshore Wind Forum They have taken a step forward to demand that the Government immediately publish the ministerial order allowing the first offshore wind auction to be held.
The offshore wind sector reiterates the urgency of establishing a clear timeline of regulatory milestones.. Currently, Spain is waiting to develop its first retail parks, in a context where countries such as Portugal, France or Morocco They have already activated important auction and investment processes. The national potential is widely recognized: specialized industry, advanced port infrastructure and suitable marine areas according to the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (POEM).
A delay that could cost thousands of jobs and leadership
The sector's main concern is the loss of strategic opportunities for the local economy and employment.. Following the approval of Royal Decree 962/2024, there has been little significant progress, and international developers are beginning to look towards other, more agile and predictable markets. According to AEE, maintaining the current deadlock could mean losing the creation of more than 7.500 jobs in coastal areas and a loss of €2.000 billion in annual GDP contributionsThe industry warns: "If we don't accelerate, Spain will go from being a technological leader and exporter to a mere importer of technology."
Spain has positioned itself as a world leader in the manufacture of floating offshore wind components., exporting 100% of its production and developing pioneering prototypes. However, the lack of a local market severely limits growth, especially for medium-sized companies and suppliers, who will only be able to consolidate their position if they participate in the first retail parks from the outset.
Investments in port infrastructure are another key axisThe sector urges the activation of aid from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDAE) to modernize strategic ports such as To Coruña, Castellón or Tarragona, essential for articulating the new industrial value chain that will accompany the deployment of offshore wind power.
The Canary Islands, the best candidate to start the journey
The consensus among companies, institutions and civil society points to the Canary Islands as the ideal location for the first auction.The islands have excellent wind resources, advanced naval infrastructure, and a social environment conducive to the development of offshore wind projects. Furthermore, electricity in the Canary Islands is more expensive and polluting than on the mainland, so the deployment of offshore wind power would bring clear savings to consumers and strengthen the archipelago's sustainable tourism position.
The sector emphasizes that Galicia and Catalonia cannot be left behind either. when designing the schedule for future auctions on the peninsula. Both regions offer optimal conditions, and the modernization of their ports and industrial chains will be vital for the implementation of this technology.
The international context is moving forward without stopping
While Spain is still waiting for the first auction, the world does not stop.According to recent data from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), 2024 GW of new offshore wind capacity will be added in 8, reaching a total of 83,2 GW installed globally. China leads growth for the seventh consecutive year, followed by the United Kingdom, while France and Portugal advance with contracts and new projects. Spain's objective, included in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), is to reach 3 GW of offshore wind installed by 2030.
Comparison with other neighboring countries highlights the risk of missing out on the innovation train.Without a defined regulatory framework and firm commitments from the government, numerous industry players have already warned of the possibility of diverting investments to other markets, which would mean missing out on both talent and industrial opportunities.
Spain, prepared but waiting for the political push
The Spanish industry has been investing in technology, research and development for offshore wind power for more than a decade.It is a world leader in patents associated with floating solutions, has cutting-edge research centers, and has manufactured most of the floating platforms installed worldwide.
The message from the employers' association and the Offshore Wind Forum is clear: political will and a predictable roadmap are lacking.They urge the immediate publication of the public consultation for the ministerial order for the first auction, and call for a timeline to be defined that will allow the potential of all coastal regions to be harnessed.
If Spain decides to take advantage of its competitive advantages, it will be able to consolidate a leading industry, generate thousands of jobs and contribute decisively to the European objectives of energy transition and strategic autonomy, placing itself among the leaders in floating offshore wind energy In the continent.
