At a time when some geographies seem to show signs of hesitation and even retreat in the development of offshore wind energy, canceling projects and financing, Europe finds itself faced with a clear choice and opportunity. Discussions about the reindustrialization of the continent and the reinforcement of its strategic autonomy gain new urgency.
Europe has the responsibility to lead the energy transition and materialize its portfolio of renewable energy projects, which will allow the protection of European companies affected by the international situation in which we find ourselves. While some countries take a step back towards fossil fuels, Europe must take a step forward towards a sustainable and economically advantageous future for its industrial strategy.
In this scenario, Portugal can assume a leading role and needs to act quickly and effectively. The development of the offshore wind industry, both due to its potential to boost the national economy and to leverage our industrial sector, must be considered strategic, and the vast potential of our country can be translated into the operationalization of projects that effectively contribute to Europe asserting itself as a global leader in this area.
This emerging industry can, in fact, have a direct and tangible impact on our business fabric. Not only by making it more dynamic, through the creation of new companies and the growth of existing ones, but also by qualifying our workforce, giving rise to highly specialized jobs and new careers linked to marine energy and the “Portuguese Sea”.
However, in order for us to take advantage of our full potential – which ranges from our very favorable geographical position to the quality of our professionals and our industry – it is essential that favorable conditions are created. A clear, well-consolidated and long-term strategy is needed, capable of surviving political and economic cycles. Only in this way will we guarantee the stability and predictability necessary to attract global investment that is now looking for safe havens with a vision of the future, and only in this way will we promote sustained growth for the industrial sector and the economy.
Offshore wind farms, especially the floating side, promise to bring unique opportunities to Portugal. This technology, still in the development and growth phase, opens doors for new companies to enter the supply chain, and will allow the country, if it invests and takes advantage of this moment, to increase its export capabilities – of products, services and knowledge. In doing so, Portugal will not only be serving its own interests, but building a vital technological capacity for the whole of Europe. The national industry has demonstrated that it is prepared to lead this sector and aims to position Portugal as a reference in this area. Our professionals, who work in this sector all over the world, are prepared to return and strengthen national knowledge and the country’s scientific and academic development.
The time to act is now. It is crucial that the dialogue already opened between the Government, industry and other stakeholders is in-depth, recurring and fruitful so that, precisely, it can generate concrete results and allow us to reach a successful conclusion. And let us not have any illusions: either we quickly realize the sense of urgency imposed by this new global context, or we will miss the opportunity. It is necessary to develop a joint strategic plan, with ambitious but realistic goals, that give confidence to companies and that foster conditions conducive to a solid industry. It is necessary to guarantee infrastructure capable of responding to the challenges that lie ahead and the time necessary to allow the sustainable development of this sector. Signs that there is availability to do so are essential for greater predictability and to create a favorable situation to bring different actors together towards a common objective.
Portugal has all the qualities to stand out in this market: exceptional natural resources, with strong winds and a vast maritime area, with a continental shelf that greatly expands the size of the country; a privileged geostrategic location, as a gateway to Europe, and also a natural bridge to other continents; and a solid base of technical and scientific knowledge, with a dynamic academy and an innovative industry.
We can, and must, lead this sector, not only because of our contribution to carbon neutrality, but above all because the path to carbon neutrality can be followed by simultaneously generating wealth for the country, contributing to an increase in our export balance and creating products with high added value with guaranteed quality.
We can, and must, assert our position as a pillar of Europe’s energy and industrial strategy.
While others may be turning their backs on the winds of the future, Portugal, at the heart of a determined Europe, must embrace them tightly and reclaim its full wind potential. It is time to transform this potential into reality, building a more prosperous future in which sustainability goes hand in hand with solid economic growth, generating wealth, employment and new opportunities for the Portuguese and Europeans.