Portugal to tender 3.5GW of offshore wind this year

Portugal's government will offer 3.5GW of offshore wind for development this year in the first phase of its 10GW by 2030 plan. A joint statement from the environment and infrastructure ministries said the 3.5GW will be spread across Viana do Castelo (1GW), Leixões (500MW) and Figueira da Foz (2GW), in line with the latest recommendations of the country's inter-ministerial working group for offshore wind.

Further capacity will be allocated in subsequent phases to reach 10GW by 2030.

The working group is now consulting with stakeholders on models for the competitive procedure(s) to be used for the tenders, as well conducting further technical work and identifying infrastructure requirements, with work due to be completed in September.

The underlying principles for the country's first offshore wind tender will then be published, the statement said, and the period for non-binding expression of interest will be opened.