OCEaN statement on the upcoming EU Wind Power Package

Ahead of the publication of the EU Wind Power Package, the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) is launching a statement supporting the use of minimum requirements and non-price criteria in the design of offshore wind farm auctions.

In the State of the Union speech, Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, acknowledged the unique set of challenges currently faced by the European wind industry. To address these, she announced an upcoming EU Wind Power package to support the wind industry to deliver on the EU Green Deal.

The main objective of the EU Wind Power package is to tackle some of the biggest hurdles faced by the industry today, including improving auction systems in Member States, fast-tracking permitting, developing a skilled workforce, as well as allowing access to finance and stable supply chains.

However, if we are to meet climate goals and enhance energy security, expanding offshore wind energy must be harmonised with nature protection. To do so, pre-qualification (or minimum) requirements and non-price criteria in offshore wind auctions can enable Member States to maximise project value for society, nature, the electricity system, and the supply chain.

In this statement, Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) Members pledge to assist EU institutions and Member States in identifying ecological minimum requirements and non-price evaluation criteria and serve as a knowledge hub for best practices and scientific evidence.