Floating Offshore Wind Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal are advancing rapidly towards their renewable energy ambitions, with plans to deploy 4–5 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Much of this capacity will rely on floating technologies suited to the deep waters of the Atlantic coastline. As both nations build the foundations of a new offshore wind industry, the Netherlands offers a long-term partnership rooted in practical experience and shared ambition.

Over the past 25 years, the Netherlands has developed a mature and fully integrated offshore wind sector in the demanding conditions of the North Sea. Dutch companies, research institutions, and public authorities work across the full value chain: From floating components, engineering, and installation through to port infrastructure, ecology, digital systems, and circular design. This includes substantial policy experience in regulation, marine spatial planning, and nature-inclusive development. 

Unlocking one of Europe’s most promising energy frontiers 

Spain and Portugal have the opportunity to unlock one of Europe’s most promising energy frontiers. The Iberian Peninsula offers exceptional wind resources, strong industrial capabilities, and a strategic position to become a leader in floating offshore wind. Both nations are at a pivotal moment in the energy transition and the potential extends well beyond clean electricity. Scaling up offshore wind will strengthen energy independence, create high-skilled jobs, boost industrial competitiveness, and accelerate port modernisation.

The Partner For International Business (PIB) Offshore Wind in Spain and Portugal connects Dutch capabilities with this momentum. The programme supports collaboration across the full project lifecycle: From early site studies and port development to floating components, digitalisation, workforce training, and nature-inclusive design. It aims to create long-term opportunities for Spanish and Portuguese companies to access operational experience, while enabling Dutch companies to contribute to a competitive offshore wind market across the Iberian Peninsula.

Research, training, and technology

Research, innovation, and capacity-building underpin this partnership. Knowledge-to-knowledge (K2K) cooperation between research institutes, innovation networks, and training providers supports joint studies, exchange missions, and expert dialogues. These efforts advance environmental modelling, digital solutions, skills training, and engineering capabilities across all three countries.

Workforce development is a shared priority. As Spain and Portugal scale their offshore wind sectors, local technicians and engineers will be needed at every stage. Dutch experience in offshore project execution, safety standards, and technical training can help build strong national talent pipelines.

In parallel, government-to-government (G2G) cooperation supports clear and predictable frameworks, including tender criteria, marine spatial planning, sustainability requirements, and nature-inclusive design, areas where Dutch models offer tested approaches.

Why partner with the Netherlands?

Today, 4.5 GW of offshore wind capacity is installed or under construction in the Dutch North Sea. The national roadmap targets 21 GW by around 2033, roughly 75% of current electricity demand, and between 38 and 72 GW by 2050 to reach net zero. We are navigating similar challenges that Spain and Portugal face, from harsh sea environments to permitting and grid integration to supply chain development and ecological impact.

Plus, Dutch companies have substantial experience in vessel construction, components engineering and installation, turbine installation, safety training, and handling systems. We are keen to share this experience, and to learn from the experiences and innovations that Iberian partners bring to floating offshore wind in deeper, more exposed waters.

Let's develop the future of floating offshore wind together

Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands have the opportunity to drive the floating energy transition forward. The foundations for this partnership are in place. Together, we can develop offshore wind responsibly, efficiently, and for the long term.