During a recent webinar organized by the EOI and the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) on offshore wind energy, Tomás Romagosa, an executive director of a specialized program in this sector and current head of regulation at RWE, highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

As reported by Energía Estratégica España, Romagosa stated that the offshore wind energy auction in Spain, initially expected in 2024, has been delayed until late 2025.

This delay stems from regulatory complications and the need to implement a clear framework to ensure the viability of the projects.

Romagosa emphasized that “these kinds of delays can significantly impact the sector’s development in the country, especially at a time when floating offshore wind technology is gaining global relevance.”

He also pointed out that while Spain has made progress in prototype development and holds a strong position in the international market, “the lack of a timely auction delays the commercial deployment of this disruptive technology.”

Demand for Specialized Professionals

The expansion of offshore wind energy is driving a growing demand for qualified professionals.

According to Ignacio Asúa from Navantia Seanergies, approximately 40,000 professionals are currently employed in the sector in Spain, and it is estimated that by 2030, an additional 7,500 jobs will be needed solely in offshore wind energy.

Asúa highlighted that the biggest challenge lies in finding individuals with specialized training, particularly in areas such as naval engineering, project management, and environmental compliance.

“We are actively seeking specialized profiles, but it’s very difficult to find them. This is a gap that both companies and educational institutions need to address,” he stated.

Romagosa echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for training programs to fill existing gaps.

He explained that many current renewable energy programs are too broad and fail to address the specific complexities of offshore wind energy, such as floating technology and integration into the value chain.

“The sector has a massive demand for professionals to join this niche,” Romagosa said, adding that the creation of these jobs will be a reliable driver of employment in the coming years.

The Path to 2030

The Spanish government aims to achieve between 1 and 3 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.

This growth not only addresses energy needs but also pursues industrial goals, as shipyards and other supply chain stakeholders aim to position themselves as leaders in the manufacturing of floating structures and other components related to marine energy.

However, achieving these targets will require joint efforts from the private sector and educational institutions to train the necessary professionals.

Spain’s Leadership in Floating Offshore Wind

Juan Virgilio Márquez, CEO of AEE, opened the event by highlighting Spain’s pivotal role in the development of offshore wind energy globally.

He noted that the country “is the world’s leading developer of floating offshore wind prototypes,” with 15 of the 50 most innovative technological solutions in this field originating from Spain.

Márquez emphasized that floating technology “is disruptive” and represents a new sector with high industrial and economic potential for Spain.

“We cover 75% of the supply chain for this sector,” he said, while stressing that to capitalize on these opportunities, regulatory challenges must be overcome, and political support must be ensured by creating synergies between the energy and industrial sectors.