Offshore Wind Opportunity to Redesign North Sea, Report Says

Offshore wind potential offers opportunity to redesign the North Sea and increase marine biodiversity, according to the latest white paper from Ecofys, which also pointed out that there is an urgent need to improve collaboration and understanding to facilitate the development of a net-positive approach towards the future offshore wind roll-out across the North Sea countries. 

An ecosystem-based spatial planning approach for a potential North Sea energy infrastructure could contribute to the effective management of marine activities and the sustainable use and development of marine and coastal resources, the paper reads.

Ecofys interviewed stakeholders from around the North Sea, including the European Commission, transmission system operators, offshore wind developers, NGOs, and fishery associations to get their views on anticipated ecological effects and benefits of a North Sea offshore wind roll-out.

On the idea of a net-positive approach towards offshore wind roll-out and biodiversity, most stakeholders interviewed expressed their enthusiasm, about, with some of them saying that it is necessary to go above and beyond the current statutory requirements of mitigating potential impacts, according to Ecofys.

A clear vision and plan is required to redesign the North Sea and facilitate all user functionalities in combination with large-scale offshore wind, the report states.

The objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, translated into offshore wind, could mean having around 180GW in the North Sea in 2050, more than ten times the current installed capacity, and the necessary changes in approach are drastic, Ecofys writes, adding that action is needed now to ensure multiple benefits for stakeholders.

At the same time, monitoring and stakeholder collaboration must improve to increase understanding of environmental effects and to accelerate the offshore wind development and spatial planning processes. However, many still favour the precautionary approach towards impact assessment because of its status in the legal framework and uncertainties, according to the white paper.

The white paper is the third in a series of thought leadership pieces on the potential of a North Sea Offshore Powerhouse.