GWEC: Major Investment Required to Unleash Mideast’s Offshore Wind Potential

Significant investment is needed to unlock the potential 1,400 gigawatts of offshore wind energy in the Middle East and North Africa, an analysis has found. In its latest report, the Global Wind Energy Council said Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Oman could lead the way in developing this sector, which is still at a nascent stage as offshore activities in the region are mostly connected with oil and gas. This mode of power generation is considered crucial in the energy transition journey, as offshore wind is good for the environment because it generates electricity without burning any fuel or emitting any carbon dioxide.

Moreover, wind at sea is stronger, more consistent and less turbulent than on land, which helps generate energy in a reliable manner. “The significant potential of offshore wind indicates that there may (and should) be development in the Middle East. However, this depends greatly on the investment environment, national regulations, and permitting procedures, as well as the availability of a skilled workforce with experience in this industry,” said the GWEC report.

The document added that the Middle East is yet to see any major developments in the production of offshore wind energy due to the massive investments involved and readily available onshore locations. “However, trends are shifting in the Middle East. Efforts to diversify energy sources, potential development of subsea interconnectors to Europe, and the potential of green energy/green product exports may encourage MENA countries to reconsider their original stance on offshore wind,” said GWEC.

Saudi Arabia to become a key player

In its report, GWEC projected that Saudi Arabia has an overall offshore capacity of 106 GW along its eastern and western coasts. The analysis further noted that Saudi Arabia’s increasing attention to renewable energy sources will catalyze the growth of wind power generation in the future. “The oil-rich Kingdom currently has only one onshore wind farm in operation (Dumat al Jandal) but has ambitious further renewable energy plans. By 2030, the country aims to generate half of its energy supply from renewable energy sources and to reach net zero by 2060,” said GWEC. According to the report, Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy targets combined with the launch of massive green hydrogen projects and the vision to export clean products are expected to propel the development of both onshore and offshore wind projects.

Morocco considering offshore wind projects

GWEC noted that the government of Morocco is seriously considering developing offshore wind projects as the nation is heavily reliant on energy imports, with over 91% of its power coming from external sources. Moreover, the Moroccan government has made significant progress in the field of renewable energy, and currently has a target of reaching 51% of power coming from green sources by the end of this decade. “Although there are no set targets for the development of offshore wind, the government is taking serious steps in considering the possibility of this technology in the region,” said GWEC. Additionally, the European Investment Bank recently awarded the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy a US$2 billion grant to conduct a feasibility study for offshore wind in Morocco. A previous study conducted by GWEC had projected Morocco’s offshore wind potential at 200 GW.

Global outlook

According to the report, the industry connected 10.8 GW of offshore wind to the grid in 2023 representing a 24% year-on-year rise, bringing the total capacity to 75.2 GW globally. China led the world in annual offshore wind developments for the sixth year in a row with 6.3 GW added last year. On the other hand, Europe added 3.8 GW of new offshore wind capacity from 11 wind farms commissioned across seven markets accounting for most of the new capacity. However, In North America, offshore wind turbines were installed at two utility-scale offshore wind projects in the US before the end of last year, but no offshore turbines were commissioned in 2023.

The report further noted that the offshore wind energy sector will witness a compound average annual growth rate of 25% until 2028 and 15% up to the early 2030s. GWEC Market Intelligence added that at least 410 GW of new offshore wind capacity will be added between 2024 and 2033, of which more than two-thirds is likely to be added in the second half of this forecast period.

“The growth of offshore wind is now so much more than a European, Chinese, or American story. This global industry must now ‘chart a course’ for the tremendous growth that lies ahead,” said Rebecca Williams, chief strategy officer, offshore wind, at GWEC. She added: “It’s important to note the offshore wind industry and its partners in government, institutions, and civil society are now coalescing and driving momentum in anticipation of the industry’s impending growth and importance as a clean energy technology.”

The report highlighted that the Membership of the Global Offshore Wind Alliance, a diplomatic, multi-stakeholder initiative founded by GWEC, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Denmark has swelled to over 20 governments. GWEC noted these 20 nations have pledged to collaborate toward installing 380 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 2000 GW by 2050. “GWEC is seeing widespread recognition across industry and governments that the key drivers for offshore wind are now in place — from government commitments and sustainable economic growth, to increased consumer demand and industrial decarbonization,” added Williams.

The report also outlined the progress made by various nations in the offshore wind energy sector. In Brazil, offshore wind is seen as the clean power source of the future for its heavy industry, while in the Philippines, the government is embracing offshore wind to meet its fast-growing domestic demand and sustainable economic development agenda. “Poland sees offshore wind as a route to stimulate industrial growth, whilst Ireland has set out an ambitious future framework for offshore wind growth,” said Williams.