The Council of Ministers of Portugal, convened on January 9, approved the Offshore Renewable Energy Affection Plan (PAER), a key milestone in the national strategy for the energy transition and independence from fossil fuels.

This plan, proposed by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with the Secretariat of State for the Sea and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, identifies priority areas of the national maritime space for offshore renewable energy projects.

According to the official statement, this plan will allow the Government to meet its goal of installing 2 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, in line with the targets set in the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050 and the guidelines of the REPowerEU Plan.

This approach ensures that the development of offshore wind energy is compatible with national energy independence, the decarbonization of the economy, and the protection of marine ecosystems.

Its approval lays the groundwork for the first floating offshore wind auction in Portugal, a milestone eagerly awaited by the sector.

The priority areas include Viana do Castelo, which already has three operational turbines from the Windfloat Atlantic park, developed by Ocean Winds (EDP and Engie), as well as Leixões and Figueira da Foz.

The Center for Blue Economy Competence emphasizes the importance of this step: “The PAER is a key element for launching the first phase of the offshore wind energy auction. These key areas will allow the country to tap into its maritime potential and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.”

In addition, organizations such as WavEC – Offshore Renewables describe the plan as “a strategic milestone that reinforces the Portuguese Government’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.”

The PAER also seeks to promote the development of the blue economy through clean technologies that safeguard marine ecosystems. This approach not only strengthens environmental sustainability but also boosts job creation and opportunities in the value chain associated with offshore wind energy.

From APREN, its CEO, Pedro Amaral Jorge, celebrates the approval of the plan as a crucial step to consolidating the wind market in the country.

“The market is ready; now we just need to define the rules of the game to turn this potential into reality,” he noted.

Although the PAER represents a significant advancement, the president of the Advisory Board of ERSE, Mario Ribeiro Paulo, emphasizes the need for complementary measures.

“I advocate the use of existing infrastructure to increase the park from 25 MW to about 400 MW before moving on to more ambitious and costly plans,” he explained in a conversation with Energía Estratégica España. This strategy could reduce the initial financial impact and facilitate a smoother transition.

However, financing remains a challenge. Ribeiro Paulo expressed interest in the Government’s strategies: “The Minister has mentioned possible partnerships with Luxembourg to reduce costs.”

These partnerships, along with the potential for well-structured auctions, will be key in attracting investments.