The Basque Energy Cluster and Norwegian Offshore Wind (NOW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration between the supply chains in Norway and the Basque Country.
The agreement was signed at WindEurope Annual Event 2024 in Bilbao this week.
Basque Energy Cluster and NOW both focus on developing supply chains in the sector. These two offshore wind nations have different strengths that will create valuable synergies, said the partners.
“With the fast-emerging offshore wind markets in both Spain and Norway, a partnership between our two organisations will create great opportunities for the industry,” said NOW manager Arvid Nesse.
The body, which represents close to 400 member companies, has had several activities in the Spanish market in general and Basque country in particular.
NOW is organising a seminar together with Baque Energy Cluster at WindEurope Annual Event 2024. It had arranged a supply chain day in Bilbao in 2022 and has built a collaborative relationship with BIMEP – the offshore wind test site. The Spanish market, with a high content of relevant stakeholders, was also represented during Floating Wind Days in Haugesund in 2023 and is expected to attend in 2024.
Basque Energy Cluster is located in one of Europe’s epicentres for offshore wind. It has an advanced and established supply chain in offshore wind, and has been and will be a crucial partner in NOW activities in the Spanish market and beyond, the partners said.
The MOU aims to lay the groundwork for new contracts between companies from the two countries in the future.
“The leadership and technological capabilities of Norwegian companies, especially regarding floating solutions, qualify them as powerful and reliable partners,” said managing director of the Basque Energy Cluster José Ignacio Hormaeche (above right).
“Partnering with Norwegian entities and stakeholders in the offshore wind sector is one of the strategic priorities of the Basque Energy Cluster.
“The leadership and technological capabilities of Norwegian companies, especially regarding floating solutions, qualify them as powerful and reliable partners.
“For this reason, we expect that the agreement with Norwegian Offshore Wind will facilitate fruitful collaborations between companies from Norway and the Basque Country.”
Spain has impressive ambitions for developing offshore wind, especially floating. The government has set a target of 3GW of installed offshore wind by 2030. The Marine Spatial Plans (POEMS) have outlined 5000 square kilometres suitable for offshore wind.
Several of the areas in the POEM are located outside the coast of Northern Spain. The regulatory framework for offshore wind in Spain is expected to be announced in 2024.
“The MoU will strengthen NOW’s presence in Northern Spain, and this collaboration will foster opportunities for the Norwegian supply chain in one of the most attractive floating offshore wind markets in Europe right now,” said Einar Tollaksvik (above left). who is heading up the industry-led working group for Spain in Norwegian Offshore Wind.
“The cooperation with the Basques could also open doors in other offshore wind markets in Europe.”