- Deep Wind Offshore applies for Chilean coast lease for offshore wind farms
- The projects are a combination of floating and bottom-fixed turbines in response to the target of 60% renewable energy in Chile by 2030
- Local employment and community engagement will be encouraged
- Renewable energy sources will be necessary as electricity demand in Chile is rising.
Norwegian developer Deep Wind Offshore has made a lease application to build one floating and another bottom-fixed offshore windfarm along the coast of Chile. These projects are developed to help Chile meet her renewable energy targets while the local economy grows through employment as well as supplier engagement opportunities.
Also read: RWE to Power Rivian’s EV Network with Champion Wind Project in Texas
The application marks Deep Wind Offshore’s maiden entry into the Latin America market, as the country looks to exploit the numerous wind resources available in its shores as well as exploit the very friendly policies underpinning the development and implementation of renewable energy options.
Offshore wind investments in Chile are fertile ground due to its ambitious energy goals. The Chilean government promised to generate 60% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Such a goal indicates that there is an imperative for sustainable energy solutions for a projected 65% increase in annual electricity demand in 2040 as against 2021.
The Deep Wind Offshore’s projects are a major component of the renewable shift. This company intends to develop large-scale offshore wind capacities, aligning with the country’s climate goals.
The approach of a Norwegian developer would be towards sustainability, integration of offshore wind farms with the community, and keeping them locally managed and operated. This means jobs, building local relations with suppliers, and engaging and cooperating with the local artisanal and industrial fisheries on potential increases in economic activities.
The official launch took place in Concepción where Chile’s Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism, Nicolas Grau, and Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, supported the initiative through video messages. Minister Grau emphasized the potential of the project to reinforce the industrial capabilities of the Biobío region.
Also read: China Unveils Plan to Boost Renewables and Reduce Coal Use
“This important Deep Wind Offshore investment project in the Biobío region represents a great opportunity for all the industrial capacities of the region and will be able to contribute with clean energy and at a lower cost for the country,” he said. His statement shows optimism on the side of the government in its expectation for offshore wind as part of Chile’s transition into renewable energy.
Deep Wind Offshore’s commitment is a landmark step in the right direction for Chile because its experience in renewable energy will be vital to decarbonizing the electricity sector,” said Minister Pardow, highlighting that the decarbonization of the electricity sector will be a crucial factor in the energy transition and achieving climate and environmental objectives.
To this, Deep Wind Offshore Chief Commercial Officer Hans Petter Øvrevik said the company was excited to expand to a new continent: “Adding another continent to our world map is a great milestone for Deep Wind Offshore.”.
After careful analysis of several Latin American markets, we finally decided to enter Chile due to the fact that the country has very strong fundamentals in terms of world-class wind resources, growing demand for renewables, a well-defined regulatory regime, and a friendly investment climate.
Øvrevik emphasized that the success of the business depends on offshore wind installations that harmonize with regional community needs and actual sea user requirements. From this view, Deep Wind Offshore will be engaging in a collaborative partnership with stakeholders through which successful projects in the long run will be nurtured to take place in Chilean waters.
Also read: Latest News on Onshore & Offshore Wind Energy
The Chilean wind projects offer a new front for Deep Wind Offshore as it continues to further its list of clean energy projects offshore across the world. With proper regulatory frameworks that are so strong, Chile stands out and is among some of the most sought countries in pursuit of clean energy. There are many such renewable developers targeting the Latin American regions to get good opportunities for themselves.
The lease application is now ready by Deep Wind Offshore, meaning it is now capable of bringing large-scale offshore wind projects to Chile and taking a step closer to Chile’s renewable energy goals by promoting sustainable economic development locally. Its commitment to co-development and responsible development of its business further illustrates an inclusive vision of cleaner energies.
