New European coalition targets more sustainable offshore wind development

Eighteen offshore wind companies, transmission system operators and environmental NGOs have launched a new coalition dedicated to ensuring that Europe delivers its planned expansion of offshore wind energy while preserving nature and marine ecosystems.

The aim of the Offshore Energy and Nature Coalition is to help the EU and national governments reach their climate goals at the same time guaranteeing the success of their environmental protection and biodiversity strategies.

The plan is to focus on best practice and agree on the best approaches to developing offshore wind while preserving local nature and marine ecosystems.

The founding members include Ørsted, Vattenfall, Siemens Gamesa, WindEurope, 50hertz, Amprion, Elia Group, RTE France, TenneT, BirdLife Europe, Climate Action Network Europe, WWF, Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Natuur&Milieu, The Wildlife Trusts, Stichting De Noordzee, and The Renewables Grid Initiative.

“This is an excellent initiative. Industry and NGOs need to work together for the EU to fulfil its climate and biodiversity objectives, become the first climate-neutral continent and be an example to the world,” said WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson.

“Offshore wind energy will be a central part of Europe’s energy transition, of a just transition and of economic recovery. The wind industry is delighted to join forces with Civil Society and TSOs to ensure the expansion of offshore wind keeps our seas healthy, clean and productive.”