Etermar Energia, the renewable energy branch of Portuguese maritime engineering group Etermar, and Qair, an independent renewable energy company, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for future floating wind projects in the Iberian Peninsula. This agreement was formalized during a visit by Etermar Energia to Qair’s Eolmed project, a 30 MW floating wind farm currently under construction in Port-La Nouvelle, France.
The partnership aims to position both companies as key players in the development of floating wind power in Southern Europe. The agreement specifically targets the zones designated by Portugal’s Maritime Spatial Planning Plan (PSOEM) as well as other strategic Qair projects in the region.
Complementary expertise for offshore development
The agreement highlights the complementary strengths of Etermar Energia’s technical capabilities and Qair’s expertise in energy project development. Etermar provides component storage, floating foundation manufacturing, logistics, and operation and maintenance services. Qair contributes its proven track record with the Eolmed project in France and recent successes in Scotland’s ScotWind leasing round, where it was awarded 2 GW of capacity.
According to Luís Machado, executive director of Etermar Energia, this agreement reflects a clear ambition to establish a foothold in the Iberian floating wind market.
Industrial development and local production
Qair, with its focus on local content, aims to maximize economic benefits in the regions where its projects are implemented. Iñigo Viani, General Manager of Qair Renewables Iberica, emphasized that offshore projects represent significant industrial opportunities for local territories.
Strategic infrastructure for production
With over 50 years of experience in constructing and installing floating structures in steel and concrete, Etermar has strategic port facilities in Setúbal, Portugal. The company plans to develop a manufacturing plant dedicated to floating foundations to meet the demands of European and international markets.
A strategic partnership for the European market
Qair continues to diversify its portfolio with multi-technology projects, including offshore wind, hydrogen, and other energy solutions. This collaboration with Etermar Energia aligns with Qair’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the European renewable energy market.
