Spain aims to deploy between 15 and 17 floating wind farms offshore by the end of the decade, pursuing a technology sector where it already leads and which could unlock markets globally. Floating wind energy has emerged as a central prospect for the sector known as “Wind Europe,” a major industry gathering held in Barakaldo this week. Efe reports are breaking down this technology with the insight of Juan Virgilio Márquez, chief executive of the Wind Energy Business Association (AEE).
Why are there still no wind turbine parks at sea in Spain?
The main reason is depth. In places like the North Sea or the Baltic, wind turbines rest on the seabed at depths around 50 meters. In Spain, where seabeds plunge much deeper, the solution is to use floating wind turbines rather than anchoring them to the ocean floor.
Spanish leadership
Spain is a leading prototype developer worldwide. Of the thirteen floating test facilities currently in existence, eleven were built by Spanish companies. Prototypes operate off Gran Canaria and the Basque Country along the Spanish coast.
Floating wind solutions tested include the spar, a 60-meter vertical steel-concrete spar that stabilizes the turbine, and a telescopic concrete tower from the Canary Islands project. The technology remains in development, but this status also creates a significant opportunity for Spanish industry to maintain leadership in the field and open new markets globally.
Advantages
Floating turbines are assembled in harbors and then towed to their operating sites, whereas fixed offshore turbines require heavy cranes and complex on-site construction. Once deployed, offshore production tends to exceed onshore output due to stronger, more stable winds. Additionally, the visual impact is reduced since the installations are farther offshore, with the state acting as the sole proprietor of land areas used for the facilities.
Difficulties
Planning such parks typically spans about six years. Environmental assessments are more intricate than on land due to limited data on marine impacts and the need to share the sea with other users. Locations must be found that do not disrupt fishing activities or maritime traffic.
Spain’s plans
In December, the government approved a roadmap for offshore wind power targeting 3 gigawatts by 2030. Essentially, the plan anticipates roughly 15 megawatts per project, with 15 to 17 farms receiving each project’s capacity. The expected turbine power is projected for 2028–2029. With seven thousand kilometers of coastline, Spain expects to distribute installations across many sites.
The aim is to cultivate a lean, domestic market that acts as a catalyst for the entire floating wind value chain, generating a strong local demand that spurs innovation and investment across components, services, and construction.
Next steps
The immediate priority is to finalize plans for marine-area management, identify suitable sites, and regulate coexistence with other sea-based activities. A government announcement is anticipated for this quarter.
The next major milestone will be the first auction call, expected by the end of the year and slated for the first quarter of 2023. Critical issues must be addressed in tandem during the auction: reserving space for projects, testing and measuring capabilities, ensuring access and connection to the electricity grid once operations begin, and establishing a fee regime that reflects compensation to the project owners per megawatt produced. The target is to have operating parks by 2028–2029.