The Spanish government has enacted a new royal decree to regulate the development of sea-based renewable energy, paving the way for offshore wind tenders.
The decree establishes a competitive bidding process for securing sites, grid capacity, remuneration, and concessions, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impacts and fostering job creation and industrial growth.
Offshore projects will be confined to 19 designated “zones of high potential for marine renewables” (ZAPER), which cover a total area of 5,000 square kilometers, representing 0.46% of Spain's territorial waters.
Successful bidders will gain priority access to the grid, a remuneration scheme, and a concession to use public waters. The evaluation of bids will include non-price factors such as environmental protection, local employment, and the use of recycled materials.
Public consultations will be held to gather input from local communities and marine users, helping to identify potential impacts and opportunities.
Smaller-scale and innovative projects, as well as those in ports of general interest, may be exempt from the competitive bidding process. Spain aims to install 3 GW of floating wind capacity by 2030, with the offshore renewable energy sector expected to create around 40,000 jobs and boost economic development in coastal areas.
