Renewable energy takes the lead in Spain and beyond
The shift away from coal and toward a decarbonised economy is strengthening commitments to renewables. In Spain, the new Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) outlines an investment of about €294 billion aimed at expanding green alternatives and sustainable energy, targeting 81% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030. Solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies are positioned to play a major role, with wind expertise particularly relevant for offshore power generation. For 2025–2030, direct contributions from offshore wind to Spain’s energy GDP are projected to reach €9,581 million, according to OCP Consulting. Of this, roughly €6,116 million assumes that 75% of activities occur in Spain, with an additional €1,860 million connected to operations and maintenance, shipbuilding, and related activities in the industry.
Industry experts are bullish. The Offshore Wind Roadmap envisions 1,000–3,000 MW of new floating offshore wind capacity within seven years, while WindEurope predicts around 12,000 MW of offshore wind growth in Europe by 2027, equating to about 12% of the EU’s total installed wind power. In February, Marine Area Management Plans (POEM) approved a 5,000 square kilometre zone restricted to 0.46% of national waters for offshore wind deployment. The chosen regions include the North Atlantic, Levantine-Balearic, the Bosphorus, and areas around Alborán and the Canary Islands.
Spanish companies are actively participating in the offshore wind surge. Iberdrola announced a €1.5 billion contract to manufacture 95 Siemens Gamesa turbines for East Anglia, marking one of its largest deals. German steelmaker Stahl Holding agreed to supply 200 gigawatt hours to Saar over 15 years, while Navantia, Windar, Ørsted, and Polish energy group PGE teamed to produce 77 foundations for Baltica 2, a 1,500 MW offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea. Power Energy joined as the first shareholder of Eolink, a startup focused on floating offshore wind power.
Within the European Union, interest in offshore wind is mounting. Ambitions include reaching 60,000 MW installed by 2030 and 300,000 MW by 2050. Germany already hosts part of the North Sea capacity, and France commissioned its first commercial offshore wind park in 2022. The rising demand for this technology and the growing installed capacity are driving European ports to expand their offshore wind capabilities and related logistics.
Rising decarbonisation and energy independence needs present a clear opportunity for the Spanish port system. Potential gains include attracting capital to build new facilities or upgrade existing ones, aligned with the road map and policy direction. Estimates suggest private and public investment of €500–€1,000 million to meet new logistical needs, a target governments see as essential for port development.
Producing clean energy at scale would power ports at critical moments and increase freight activity as Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology is deployed. OCP calculations indicate that installing 1,000 MW of offshore wind along coastlines could raise port-bound freight by 0.3% to 72,092 tonnes. If capacity reaches 14,000 MW, freight in motion could rise by about 1,004,984 tonnes, a 0.9% increase relative to 2022 totals. Analysts describe this growth as a lever for public funds and enhanced port credibility.
Geographic challenges and progress
Despite Spain’s leadership in onshore wind, offshore progress has been slower in recent years. OCP attributes the challenge to the deep depths off the coast, which complicate anchoring fixed foundations. Floating technologies offer a path forward, raising hopes for offshore energy deployment. The offshore wind push includes collaboration among parties near the northwest Platforma Peninsula, with calls for dialogue among authorities, industry, and environmental groups to ensure responsible development while protecting biodiversity and natural habitats. Logistics and mobilization of large components—turbines, bases, and related equipment—pose significant challenges, requiring substantial open space for manufacturing, storage, and transport, all while keeping the process efficient and safe.