Chile turns to GOWA, OEP to accelerate offshore wind ambitions

The Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) and Ocean Energy Pathway (OEP) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the rapid response initiative (RRI), which will support ‘priority markets’ in accessing technical assistance and research to advance offshore wind development.

The MoU brings together the two organisations’ complementary expertise to accelerate the global growth of offshore wind. By combining diplomatic leadership, convening power and technical delivery capacity, the partnership is structured to provide timely, responsive support to countries at different stages of offshore wind development.

Chile will be the first country to benefit from the initiative. As a GOWA member with a coastline more than 6,000 km long and an estimated offshore wind technical potential of 957 GW (131 GW fixed and 826 GW floating), Chile could become a regional leader in offshore wind development. Through the RRI, targeted support will help accelerate the country’s offshore wind ambitions and unlock long-term sustainable growth.

The country’s Minister of Energy and of Economy, Development and Tourism Álvaro García said, “Chile has strong potential to develop offshore wind energy. This kind of support is essential for us to continue moving forward with the energy transition and decarbonisation. In this context, the World Bank will deliver an important contribution in early March, developed with input from GOWA, to help us develop a roadmap to guide our progress in this area.” 

GOWA head of secretariat Amisha Patel said, “We are very pleased to consolidate our collaboration with OEP through the launch of this RRI. By combining GOWA’s diplomatic platform and global membership with OEP’s technical delivery expertise, we can help unlock offshore wind potential in markets that are ready to move forward. 

“We are particularly delighted that Chile will be the first of our members to benefit from this initiative, demonstrating how coordinated international support can accelerate progress and translate ambition into tangible action.”

OEP executive director Charles Ogilvie said the RRI “can respond quickly, at the earliest stages of a market’s offshore wind journey, helping governments assess resource potential, build the economic case for offshore wind, and put in place the policy frameworks needed to unlock its wider benefits.”