European Ports Need $7.4 Billion To Hit Wind Targets

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--European ports and vessels will need a 6.4 billion euros (US$7.4 billion) boost in financial aid for the European Union (EU) to hit its ambitious offshore wind targets.

Europe aims to increase its offshore wind capacity from 36.6 gigawatts (GW) today to 84 GW by 2030 according to wind energy industry group WindEurope, but beyond 2030 the current state of port infrastructure and lack of suitable vessels will not be able to keep up with the EU's wind energy targets. Today, Europe can install and maintain around 10 GW of offshore wind annually, which will be just enough to add the almost 40-GW target needed by 2030. After 2030 this installation figure will have to increase to 15 GW per year, but the maritime supply chain - particularly shipbuilding and port infrastructure - is not adequate. Over the past three years, 6.7 billion euros (US$7.8 billion) has been invested in port infrastructure and new vessels across Europe, but another 6.4 billion euros (US$7.4 billion) is required. The European Commission (EC) is now working on an EU-wide Ports Strategy.

"In the past three years, 4.4 billion euros (US$5.1 billion) has been invested in the infrastructure of ports," WindEurope stated. "But given the strategic importance of ports for energy security and competitive renewable electricity, an additional 2.4 billion euros (US$2.8 billion) would be needed so that Europe remains on track with post-2030 offshore deployment. Ports are the backbone of Europe's offshore wind ambitions. All offshore wind equipment is transported through their quaysides and berths. They often serve as bases for operation and maintenance activities. They host local wind energy supply chains. And they offer one of the most necessary conditions for offshore wind: space to store, manoeuvre and -- in the case of floating offshore wind -- assemble large offshore wind components."

With regard to vessels, WindEurope stated: "In the past 3 years, Europe invested at least 2.3 billion euros (US$2.7 billion) in additional vessels. But given the innovation in wind turbine technology, Europe will have to invest an additional 4 billion euros (US$4.6 billion) to handle the upcoming generation of 15+ megawatt (MW) turbines. Today, Europe's offshore wind sector uses around 80 different vessels, including those specialised in the installation of turbines, foundations, substations, cables as well as those used for crew transfers.

Last month, the EC started preparations for an EU Ports Strategy and EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, calling for industry feedback. It stated: "As gateways for trade, logistics, energy and military mobility, ports must be fit to support Europe's future economic and strategic needs. A comprehensive EU Ports Strategy will aim to support the long-term competitiveness of ports in terms with a focus on security, energy transition, and sustainability. At the same time, Europe's shipbuilding, maritime manufacturing and shipping sectors are under growing pressure from global competition and rising security risks. The EU Industrial Maritime Strategy will aim to reinforce the sector's competitiveness and resilience, while driving forward its green and digital transition."

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