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The joint ESMAP-IFC Offshore Wind Development Program received the Collaboration Award at last week’s Global Offshore Wind Awards 2023, hosted by RenewableUK in London. This was the first year the Collaboration category was introduced, and winning this significant award is an important recognition from the industry of the Program’s efforts to accelerate deployment of offshore wind in emerging markets over the past four years.

The Program successfully won the award thanks to its work bringing together the private and public sector on a global and country-level to help emerging markets tap into the decarbonization and economic potential of offshore wind. 

The Program’s co-leads Mark Leybourne (ESMAP), Sean Whittaker (IFC), and lead consultant Alastair Dutton were present to collect the award and were joined by Mitul Mistry and Zena Chouhan from the UK’s DESNZ, which is an important donor and collaborator for the Program.

They were also joined by Arturo Pulido Perez from Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, the winner of the Aspiring Leader award in his own right thanks to his efforts in developing Colombia’s regulatory framework for offshore wind. 

The Program has worked closely with Arturo over the past three years, and during that time his commitment and enthusiasm for offshore wind have been vital in driving the foundation to unlock Colombia’s massive offshore wind potential. On the same day of the award, Colombia launched its first-ever offshore wind tender, a milestone which the World Bank has advised over the past year.

Altogether, the awards for both the Program and Arturo reflect the immense impact that the Program has had in a short period to drive progress for offshore wind development across the world and its support in emerging markets.

From 0 to 400 GW: How the Program has shaped offshore wind in emerging markets

Since its inception in 2019, the World Bank/ESMAP's Offshore Wind Development Program has been on a remarkable journey to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind energy in developing countries. When the Program first started, only a handful of low- and middle-income nations were aware of their offshore wind potential, and even fewer had plans to incorporate offshore wind into their energy strategies.

This pioneering program set out to change that. Thanks to the efforts of the Program, plans and proposals for offshore wind in emerging markets has gone from 0 GW to 400 GW in just four years.

It was established as a unique partnership between the World Bank's Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with a strong connection to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) to ensure industry collaboration.

Over the years, the Program has worked with 24 governments, providing capacity building and support on various aspects of offshore wind development. This includes technical, commercial, regulatory, environmental, and social aspects. They have organized three Study Tours, which saw representatives from various countries touring offshore wind facilities and meeting industry players in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark to help build knowledge and collaboration across mature and emerging markets.

On the technical front, the Program has published offshore wind roadmaps for several countries, including Azerbaijan, Colombia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Vietnam. These roadmaps offer a blueprint for the development of offshore wind, looking at different challenges and opportunities in collaboration with national governments, industry, investors, and other stakeholders.

The Program has also published a landmark report on "Key Factors for Successful Development of Offshore Wind in Emerging Markets," which has become an essential reference for both governments and developers. This report was eventually turned into an eLearning resource, to help educate a wide range of stakeholders on the ins and outs of developing offshore wind in emerging markets.

Guidance has been provided to governments in Brazil, Colombia, and India, playing a crucial role in establishing high-potential offshore wind markets and opening new opportunities for the industry.

Program achievements

The Program's impact over the past four years has been substantial, inspiring countries to set ambitious offshore wind targets:

• In Vietnam, the government set a target of 6 GW by 2030 and 70-91 GW by 2050.

• Colombia launched its first seabed tender and set a target of 13 GW of offshore wind by 2050.

• Turkey established an ambitious target of 5 GW by 2035.

• The Philippines awarded more than 57 offshore wind Service Contracts representing 42 GW.

• Azerbaijan now has over 4 GW of offshore wind projects planned.

• India received substantial support for the development of bidding documents for the first offshore wind tender in Tamil Nadu.

• Romania is drafting an Offshore Wind Law envisioning 3 GW of offshore wind in the Black Sea by 2035.

The Program's core team, led by Mark Leybourne and Sean Whittaker, supported by nine offshore wind experts, has worked closely with over 60 World Bank staff in various regions. They have collaborated with bilateral government partners, multilaterals, and leading industry players to lay the foundations for the next wave of offshore wind markets.

In doing so, the Program has not only benefited the participating countries but has also set the stage for the industry to build innovative projects that will shape the future of offshore wind. It is a true game-changer in accelerating the uptake of offshore wind in emerging markets, bringing us closer to a sustainable, just and cleaner energy future.

Learn more about the Program here.

Learn more about the Awards here.