In December 2021 the Spanish Government approved the Roadmap for the development of Offshore Wind and Renewable Energies. Full English version is accessible here.

The Royal Decree 150/2023 of 28 February approved the intended uses for the five geographical areas into which the Spanish maritime space is divided. This regulation delimits the ‘Areas of high potential for the development of offshore wind energy’ identifying their following common characteristics:

– Wind resource reaches values greater than 7.5 m/s wind speed (at 100 m height for the four peninsular marine demarcations, and at 140 m height in the Canary DM).

– Depth does not exceed 1,000 m. (The minimum bathymetry values are in the Canary Islands at 50 – 80 metres).

– They are located close to an area on land with adequate electrical infrastructures for transferring the energy generated.

Royal Decree 962/2024, of 24 September is moving forward by approving the legal framework for offshore renewable energy installations (wind and non-wind). The process will include public participation phases that will help defining the technical and operational bases. Its approval will require a competitive process with two exceptions: i) innovative offshore installations located outside the designated optimal zones and with a capacity of less than 50 MW and ii) installations located in Zones I (inside port waters) and II (outside port waters) of the Ports of General Interest.

Muñoz & Montañés, law firm specialized in maritime law, transport and international trade, with offices in Valencia and Bilbao, providing services throughout Spain.