Irish group Simply Blue, which specialises in developing floating offshore wind energy, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spanish companies Proes Consultores and FF New Energy Venture to explore opportunities for this sustainable energy source in the Spanish and Portuguese markets.

Proes Consultores is the engineering division of Amper Group, a technology conglomerate that provides engineering, industrial and technology solutions. It has extensive international experience in the development, implementation and construction of floating offshore wind farms. The other partner, FF New Energy Venture (FF NEV), is a Spanish renewable energy developer.

Marine energies
The floating wind energy market in Spain got off to a flying start following the recent publication of the draft maritime spatial plan (POEM), and the roadmap for developing offshore wind and marine energy. Like the Simply Blue Group, together with Proes Consultores and FF NEV, many companies are attracted by the over two gigawatts that are to be installed in the coming years in Spanish waters and those of neighbouring Portugal.

Spain, with a long coastline characterised by deep water and exceptional wind resources, is particularly attractive for developing floating offshore wind energy. It is also backed by a wealth of experience in engineering and civil works, as well as the outstanding capacity provided by its supply chain.

Lessons learnt
Simply Blue Group's Market Development Director, Adrian de Andres, said, “As leaders in floating offshore wind we believe we can bring our extensive experience to the Spanish and Portuguese market in terms of lessons learnt from our early floating wind projects in the UK and Ireland. We look forward to working alongside Proes Consultores and FF NEV to explore these opportunities in Spain and Portugal.”

Ignacio Sanchidrián, Executive General Manager of Proes Consultores, added, “We have broad experience in coastal engineering, renewable energy and environmental impact assessment. We have been involved in some of the pioneering offshore wind projects in Northern Europe and believe we have a lot to contribute to this consortium when it comes to developing opportunities in our home market of Spain.”

Finally, FF NEV CEO, Manuel Fernández de Castro, explained, “Floating Wind is complementary to solar energy from an energy mix perspective, and we believe our renewable energy development experience in Spain can strengthen this consortium. Energy security is paramount for the landscape we live in today, and we believe that the addition of floating offshore wind to our portfolio is the right step to help Spain achieve its net zero energy ambitions.”

^{Photo: Simply Blue Group}