Europe must invest an additional €6.4 billion in port infrastructure and vessels to meet its offshore wind energy targets for 2030, according to industry group WindEurope.
The continent currently has 36.6 gigawatts (GW) of installed offshore wind capacity and aims to reach 84 GW by the end of the decade. To do so, it needs to install at least 10 GW per year, a level it is just able to sustain with its current infrastructure.
The maritime supply chain is critical to supporting Europe’s energy security, but it remains underfunded, WindEurope said.
Since 2022, €6.7 billion has been invested in port infrastructure and the construction of new vessels. However, a further €6.4 billion is required to stay on track with EU offshore wind ambitions.
- EU-wide Ports Strategy in progress
The European Commission is preparing a Ports Strategy aimed at addressing the shortfall. The plan includes three key actions: mobilizing funding, streamlining permitting processes, and creating an EU-wide port and offshore wind planning framework.
Ports are crucial to achieving Europe’s offshore wind targets, WindEurope said and added that they serve as logistical hubs for construction, operation, and maintenance.
Over the last three years, €4.4 billion has been invested specifically in port infrastructure, but WindEurope estimates an additional €2.4 billion is still needed to align with post-2030 deployment needs.
The new strategy is expected to accelerate approval timelines, unlock investments, and coordinate infrastructure planning across the bloc to meet both short-term targets and long-term energy security goals.
By Busra Ozaltan
Anadolu Agency
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