Equinor and Naturgy have entered a development agreement prior to Spain’s first upcoming offshore wind auction off the coast of the Canary Islands.
The Spanish government aims to transform its energy mix and plans to develop up to 3GW offshore wind by 2030.
The first Spanish offshore wind auction is expected to be in the Canary region in 2023.
Here Equinor and Naturgy are jointly assessing the opportunity to develop and construct a floating offshore wind project.
The cooperation is in line with the two companies’ joint ambition of utilizing their complementary capabilities to develop renewables in Spain, starting with commercial floating find projects.
With more than 90% of the Spanish offshore wind areas being deep waters, Spain has an exciting opportunity to spearhead the next wave of floating offshore wind in Europe.
The Spanish energy company will contribute with its experience from onshore wind in Spain and Equinor with its proven capabilities in floating offshore wind technology and development.
Naturgy managing director of renewables, new businesses and innovation Jorge Barredo said: “We are very pleased with the agreement reached with the Norwegian energy company Equinor, because it allows us to promote the commitment to renewables, contributing with our experience in the development, construction and operation of onshore wind energy, as well as extensive knowledge of the Spanish market.
Equinor’s senior vice president for business development in renewables Jens Økland said: “It is great to see the deployment of offshore wind in Spain.
“3GW by 2030 is an ambitious target, with floating offshore wind it is doable.
“Equinor has a long history in Spain and Naturgy is a well-known partner for Equinor.
“Together we now want to contribute long term to the country’ renewable energy plans and start off by developing the first commercial floating offshore wind farm in Spain.”