The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) have launched an agenda targeting 380GW of offshore wind, installed worldwide by 2030.
By 2050 the target is for 2000GW of offshore wind installed worldwide.
The compact sets out a clear route to help governments “make the fundamental changes required to achieve this ambition”.
As of 2020, GWEC Market Intelligence calculates 35GW of offshore wind installed capacity globally.
Through IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Ocean Energy/Offshore Renewables, the groups will “intensify governments’ understanding of offshore wind”, as reflected in country NDCs, and by expanding membership of the Framework more governments will be able to increase their interests in offshore wind.
The compact sets out that: “Given the project development and construction timelines for offshore wind, these interventions are urgently needed”.
The Compact will also see IRENA and GWEC assess the institutional and resource gaps to help the world achieve the 2030 and 2050 targets.
GWEC CEO Ben Backwell said: “This compact sets out a clear framework to support world governments as they try to reach net zero targets.
“The rapid acceleration of offshore wind development in every region of the world is vital if we are to meet our collective objectives, and the message from IRENA and GWEC is clear: World leaders, the industry is here to help you make it happen.
“Offshore wind undoubtedly plays a central role in global decarbonisation plans – offering solutions for everything from reskilling workers to providing the technology to bring new solutions like green hydrogen to scale.
“However, these transitions will not happen without governments taking action, and this compact will help world leaders do just that.”