Key Collaboration in Offshore Wind Development
Heavyweights from Norwegian industry are converging on Portugal to enhance cooperation as Iberia's offshore wind plan gains momentum. The event titled ‘Portugal and Norway: Fostering Offshore Wind Supply Chain Development’ is set to take place at the Museu do Oriente in Lisbon on December 3.
The open event is being organized by WavEC Offshore Renewables in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Portugal, Innovation Norway, and Norwegian Offshore Wind. For detailed program information and registration, click here.
Notable Speakers and Participants
The event will feature keynote addresses from Hanne Brusletto, the Norwegian Ambassador to Portugal, and Lidia Bulcão, Portugal’s Secretary of State for the Sea. Participants will include various organizations such as DGEG, DNV, Source Galileo, TechnipFMC, and many more. The event will conclude with remarks from Portugal’s Secretary of State for Energy.
Portugal's Ambitious Energy Goals
This conference occurs shortly after the Portuguese Government unveiled an updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for 2021-2030, which emphasizes ambitious targets for offshore wind energy as part of its strategy to transition to renewable energy. Previously, Portugal aimed for a 300 MW offshore wind capacity by 2025, but has now raised the target to 2 GW by 2030.
Industry Insights
Marco Alves, CEO of WavEC, highlighted the importance of international partnerships in accelerating progress in offshore wind expansion. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome partners from Norway, which plays a leading role in the offshore wind sector.” Alves emphasized that supply chains are crucial for the success of offshore wind projects.
Portugal phased out coal-fired power generation in 2021 and currently generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources. The NECP aims to increase this share to 80% by 2030.
Future Prospects
The Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (PAER) has allocated 10 GW of reserve capacity for offshore wind, aligning with the NECP. Public consultations for new policies began in Q3 2024, with the first site auctions expected in mid-2025.
In Norway, nearly 98% of electricity comes from renewables, with a significant focus on wind and hydropower. Rodrigo Ballesteros Cruz from Innovation Norway noted the potential for collaboration between Norway and Portugal to develop sustainable offshore wind solutions.
Einar Tollaksvik, leader of the Portugal Working Group of Norwegian Offshore Wind, emphasized Norway's extensive experience and technology in offshore wind, particularly in floating offshore wind.
WavEC is recognized as a global center of excellence in marine renewable energy, supporting over 70 R&D projects and collaborating with more than 350 partners across 32 countries. They also co-manage the Aguçadoura test site in northern Portugal.
Event Registration
To register for the event “Portugal and Norway: Fostering Offshore Wind Supply Chain Development,” click here.
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