Deep Wind Offshore has been actively exploring the Latin American offshore wind market for over two years and has now applied for area leases to develop one floating and one bottom-fixed offshore wind project along the Chilean coastline. This initiative aligns with the Chilean government’s ambitious goal of generating 60% of the nation’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with an expected 65% increase in annual electricity demand by 2040. Deep Wind Offshore aims to contribute to this transition with projects on a gigawatt scale.
The proposed offshore wind projects will be managed and operated locally, fostering job creation and engaging local suppliers. The initiative will also involve stakeholders such as artisanal and industrial fisheries, ensuring a collaborative approach to development.
The project launch was celebrated on October 30, 2024, in Concepción, featuring speeches from key government officials, including Nicolas Grau, Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism, and Diego Pardow, Minister of Energy. Grau emphasized the potential of this investment to contribute to clean energy at a lower cost for the country, while Pardow highlighted the importance of decarbonizing the electricity sector for achieving climate and environmental goals.
Attendees included Commander in Chief of the Chilean Navy, Juan Andrés De La Maza Larraín, and Norwegian Ambassador Per Anders Nilsen, who spoke about the strong partnership between Chile and Norway. Larraín noted the engineering challenges posed by the project, positioning it at the forefront of technological advancement in the region. Nilsen remarked on the hope that these projects represent for a sustainable future.
Hans Petter Øvrevik, CCO of Deep Wind Offshore, stated, “Adding another continent to our world map is a great milestone for Deep Wind Offshore. After evaluating several Latin American markets, we chose Chile for its world-class wind resources, growing demand for renewables, and a friendly investment climate.” He emphasized the importance of co-existence with local communities and other sea users in the development of these projects.
Deep Wind Offshore is committed to providing clean electricity and supporting Chile’s governmental targets toward net-zero emissions, while also creating qualified jobs to aid in the transition from traditional industries.
Suggested Sources
- [Deep Wind Offshore Official Website]
- [Chilean Ministry of Energy]
- [International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)]
