Developer launches 2.4GW plan for Chile’s first offshore wind farms
Deep Wind Offshore enters race to build Chile’s first offshore wind farm after British developer launched its own plan in August
A Norwegian developer has launched a plan to develop two fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind farms with a combined 2.4GW of capacity that could be the first to hit the water in Chile.
Deep Wind Offshore announced today that it has through a local subsidiary applied for permits for two areas off the coast of Chile’s central Biobío region.
The fixed-bottom Golfo De Arauco Sustentable project would have 900MW capacity, while the floating BioBio Sustentable would boast 1.5GW.
“After carefully considering several markets in Latin America, we decided to enter Chile because the country has very strong fundamentals in terms of world-class wind resources, growing demand for renewables, well-defined regulatory regime, and a friendly investment climate,” said Deep Wind chief commercial officer Hans Petter Øvrevik.
“Deep Wind Offshore will provide clean electricity, supporting the governmental targets towards net zero emissions. We will provide new, climate-friendly, qualified jobs, supporting transition from traditional industries.”
The launch of the projects was marked by an event yesterday in the city of Concepción in Biobío.
Chile’s economy minister Nicolas Grau said that the projects represent a “great opportunity” for all industry in the region, as well as providing cheap clean energy, according to the Deep Wind announcement.
Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy Juan Andrés De La Maza Larraín said that the offshore wind projects “could be the first to be carried out in the country.”
“Just as sailors have harnessed the power of the wind to navigate, today we will use that same power to supply clean and sustainable energy.”
Chile is a leading country in Latin America for renewable energy. It generates around half of its electricity from wind, solar and, most significantly, hydropower, according to the International Energy Association.
Chile is aiming to generate 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
In March, the Chilean government announced it would work on a roadmap for the development of offshore wind projects.
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