Wind energy – ports
European ports will require new infrastructure and significant investment over the next few years to cope with the growth of the region’s offshore wind sector, according to a new report from industry body WindEurope.
In its report, published on Thursday, the Brussels-based organization said Europe’s ports would have to invest 6.5 billion euros (around $7.9 billion) by 2030 in order to support the expansion of offshore wind.
In a statement accompanying the report’s publication, WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson described ports as being essential for offshore wind.
“They’re a vital part of the supply and logistics chain that’s needed for the installation, assembly, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms,” he said. “We can’t expand offshore without also expanding and upgrading Europe’s port infrastructure.”
As countries attempt to reduce emissions and move away from fossil fuels, offshore wind looks set to play a key role. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, has previously said it wants offshore wind capacity to hit at least 60 gigawatts by 2030 and 300 GW by the middle of the century.
WindEurope called upon the European Commission to put together what it described as “a clear strategy for port development.” In addition, it said the Commission needed to recognise the high societal value of investing in ports.