The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), in collaboration with the Renewable Energy Association of Andalusia (CLANER) and the Cádiz Maritime Naval Cluster, has today presented a new edition of the Offshore Wind Congress. The press conference featured Juan Virgilio Márquez, CEO of AEE; Alfonso Vargas, President of CLANER; José Luis Trillo, member of the Board of the Cádiz Maritime Naval Cluster; and Bruno García de León, Mayor of Cádiz, who highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the offshore wind sector for the city and the importance of hosting the event.

“One of the main challenges for the wind sector is the future development of floating offshore wind along our coasts. We are creating a new technological sector that will be disruptive on a global level. The recent approval of the Royal Decree on offshore wind is a major milestone, but we must continue progressing with the next regulatory steps to ensure the first auction takes place by the end of 2025, along with an indicative calendar for the following years,” said Juan Virgilio Márquez, CEO of AEE, during the press conference held at the Cádiz Conference Centre.

Among the objectives of this new edition of the Congress, Márquez emphasized that this is a transition year where the Royal Decree 962, establishing the regulatory framework for offshore wind development in Spain, has been approved. “This is a year in which we need to continue developing the remaining regulations, in addition to working on the technical aspects. If we don’t have auctions in 2025, the objectives will not be met,” he stated, adding that “offshore wind without an auction will not become a reality. You cannot install an offshore wind farm without a coverage mechanism with a specific remuneration framework, and that’s why auctions are so important, not only for the sector but for the Government as well, because they are an excellent tool to determine where and when deployment will take place, as well as the pace of offshore wind development in Spain.”

Floating Technology as a Disruptive Solution for Spain Floating technology is a disruptive solution that opens up multiple markets that are currently unfeasible due to the depth of Spain’s coasts. The commitment to this technology is strategic and long-term, offering the opportunity for job creation. If the PNIEC objectives are met, 7,500 new jobs will be created with the installation of the initial 3 GW, contributing more than €2 billion annually to the national GDP. The development of offshore wind will have a driving effect on Spain’s economy.

Spain has the industrial fabric and logistical infrastructure capable of absorbing nearly the entire value chain of offshore wind technology. This will help achieve the country’s energy and climate goals, while also benefiting industrial development and the Spanish economy through the creation of skilled jobs, increased exports, and national GDP growth.

The Mayor of Cádiz, Bruno García de León, emphasized the importance of the renewable energy sector for the region, “as it can generate development and, of course, job creation.” He pointed out that leading companies in the region, such as Navantia, can find in this sector “a complementary activity and new markets to strengthen their role in the naval industry,” as can other auxiliary companies in the sector.

“Offshore wind, and more specifically the global development of floating wind, is a national opportunity, especially for our region, and particularly the Bay of Cádiz, where we are located. However, it is not only the Bay of Cádiz that can benefit from an initial advantage, based on three pillars,” said Alfonso Vargas, President of CLANER.

Andalusia’s strategic position at the crossroads of the Strait of Gibraltar, with easy connections to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and routes from Asia via the Suez Canal, America, and even West Africa, makes it an ideal location for the development of floating wind markets, albeit at different speeds.

Additionally, the region’s industrial capacity is particularly well-suited for this technology due to its naval tradition, with unique infrastructures that have already begun supplying components and systems for fixed foundation wind farms in Northern Europe and America, as well as for some of the first floating wind installations and prototypes. Notably, companies in the region played a leading role in the project that resulted in the first floating wind platform tested in Spanish waters, specifically in the Canary Islands, a region with significant synergy potential.

Finally, the region has a highly relevant value chain for the development of renewable projects, which is ready to take on new challenges, provide services throughout the life of these installations, and enable sustainable development based on renewable sources, generating clean energy and quality jobs in manufacturing hubs, assembly ports, installation and maintenance areas, and across society as a whole.

José Luis Trillo, representing the Cádiz Maritime Naval Cluster, noted that through the Offshore Wind Congress, the sector will showcase the significant industrial manufacturing capacity in Andalusia, with Cádiz positioned as one of the technological epicentres. “It’s about believing in what we are capable of doing here, both as leading companies and throughout the entire network of businesses,” Trillo highlighted. The Bay of Cádiz has historically been linked to the naval sector, and today, these companies are involved in international offshore projects. “We help in the manufacturing of wind farms for the North Sea, and we are awaiting the start of floating wind farms on the Spanish coasts, where we can be key players in the value chain,” said Trillo, representative of the Cádiz Maritime Naval Cluster.

Delivery of the Offshore Wind Award at the Wind Gala (7NOV) As part of the Offshore Wind Congress, the Offshore Wind Award will be presented this year to Andalusian educational institutions offering higher vocational training in Renewable Energy. The award will go to IES Castillo de Matrera (Villamartín), IES La Janda (Vejer de la Frontera), and IES Maestro Francisco Gallardo (Los Corrales).

In the coming years, a considerable increase in demand for professionals specialising in offshore wind is expected. Therefore, collaboration between the wind sector and training centres is crucial. The jury has recognised these three centres for their ability to adapt and stay ahead, offering specialised training that will be essential for the development of offshore wind along our coasts.

Main Themes for Analysis and Debate at the Third Offshore Wind Congress

The programme for the Third Offshore Wind Congress features sessions with over 70 speakers from the leading companies and institutions related to offshore wind in Spain, and delegations from European countries, to primarily discuss the following topics:

• Planning and regulatory framework in Spain
• The new European Parliament and Commission and their implications for offshore wind
• Industrial capacity: pace and consolidation
• Development in territories and social acceptance
• Legal procedures and new models
• Recommendations and lessons learned for environmental impact studies
• Safety as the key to success
• Dialogue with key sectors: fishing and tourism
• Situation of international markets
• Project financing and risk management
• Latest technological trends
• Strengths of the Spanish wind value chain