COFIDES Invests €20M in Amper's Offshore Wind Arm

Spain's state-backed investment firm, COFIDES, is injecting €20 million into WindWaves, the offshore wind subsidiary of industrial group Amper. This significant capital infusion, channeled through the Fund for International Investments (FIEX), will secure COFIDES a 30% stake in WindWaves, bolstering the company's expansion plans in the burgeoning offshore wind sector.

The investment is earmarked for several critical initiatives designed to propel WindWaves into a leading position in the international offshore wind market. A substantial portion will fund the construction of new, state-of-the-art facilities at the Outer Port of La Coruña. These facilities will be equipped to handle both fixed and floating offshore wind structures, enhancing WindWaves' capacity to serve global projects and significantly boosting Spain's export capabilities in this strategic industry.

Beyond infrastructure development, the funding will also support the digitalization of WindWaves' operations, integrating advanced technologies to streamline industrial processes. Furthermore, existing facilities in As Somozas will be adapted to provide crucial support to the new La Coruña operations. This integrated approach aims to optimize efficiency and operational synergy across the company's footprint.

A key objective for the capital is to validate industrial-scale manufacturing processes for Rigid Sails, an innovative wind propulsion system for maritime transport. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for decarbonization solutions within the shipping industry, positioning WindWaves at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology. The successful scaling of these processes is expected to unlock significant market opportunities.

Enrique López, CEO of Amper, emphasized that COFIDES' commitment will amplify Amper Group's leadership in offshore wind structures, contributing to Europe's energy independence and strategic autonomy. Similarly, Ángela Pérez, President and CEO of COFIDES, highlighted the operation as a testament to supporting innovative, internationally-focused companies. She noted that the FIEX resources will foster domestic production capacity to meet international demand in a vital sector, aligning with European energy transition goals.

The offshore wind sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by global decarbonization targets and increasing energy security concerns. Projections indicate substantial expansion in installed capacity over the next decade, with floating offshore wind technologies expected to play an increasingly important role in accessing deeper water resources. WindWaves' strategic investments position it to capitalize on these favorable market dynamics.