RWE partners with Port of Setúbal to develop logistics hub for floating offshore wind energy in Portugal

RWE is collaborating with the Port Authority of Setúbal in Portugal to develop a logistics hub for floating offshore wind energy. The partnership aims to explore the port’s potential to become an industrial hub for marshalling, assembly, and deployment of components such as floating substructures and mooring systems, crucial for floating wind projects.

Given Portugal’s deep waters, high wind speeds, and 2,500km coastline, the government sees floating offshore wind as a key renewable energy source. RWE Offshore Wind’s Álvaro de Miguel noted that expanding port capacity and supply chains is essential to attract investment and create employment, positioning Portugal as a major player in the floating wind sector.

The collaboration comes as Portugal prepares for its first offshore wind auction, launched in late 2023, which has attracted interest from over 50 developers, including Ocean Winds and Martifer Renewables. Portugal already hosts Europe’s first floating offshore wind farm, WindFloat Atlantic, located off Viana do Castelo, which is slated for decommissioning in 2045.

Portugal targets 47% renewable energy in total consumption by 2030, with wind contributing 10.4GW of capacity. By then, solar PV is expected to dominate the renewable capacity mix at 67.5%, with onshore wind covering 26.5%, and offshore wind between 0.21–3GW.