The Director of the Catalan Institute of Energy (ICAEN), Marta Morera, has advocated for the development of offshore wind energy in ways that maximize social and economic benefits for the regions where it is deployed. Speaking at the 3rd Offshore Wind Congress organized by the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), Morera emphasized that Catalonia will require the full spectrum of renewable energy technologies to achieve societal decarbonization. She underscored, however, that implementation must always consider the interests of local residents and stakeholders.

The ICAEN Director reaffirmed Catalonia’s commitment to offshore wind energy, as well as to an energy transition that is fair, balanced, and aligned with local priorities. She stressed that the offshore wind energy projects ultimately selected for execution should not only generate electricity at the most competitive cost but also provide positive externalities that benefit the immediate community.

Morera outlined examples of these positive externalities, which include environmental monitoring during park operations; the creation of community funds in collaboration with developers to drive indirect economic benefits across local industries, including industrial, fishing, and tourism sectors; the inclusion of vocational training initiatives, scholarships, or educational centers; and commitments to employ local residents, especially those who are currently unemployed.

To demonstrate Catalonia’s commitment to offshore wind energy, Morera cited the Catalonia Marine Energy R&D and Innovation Platform (PlemCat), an initiative led by the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research with ICAEN's support. This research infrastructure will be located in the Bay of Roses (Alt Empordà) and will serve as a floating laboratory in the Mediterranean Sea. It will study the performance of various components and technical systems to advance and validate floating wind and other marine energy technologies. Additionally, it will facilitate monitoring of the marine ecosystem and contribute to environmental, climate, and biodiversity studies.

Morera explained that PlemCat will enable an in-depth understanding of the interaction between floating offshore wind energy and its environment, supporting the development of measures to prevent or mitigate any identified negative impacts. She noted that it would also lay the groundwork for establishing a Catalan industry linked to offshore wind, encompassing both production and associated services, as well as research and innovation. The infrastructure is slated to be operational by 2026.