In response to the twin crises of climate change and energy security, Europe is committed to expanding renewables, with a significant share planned as offshore wind. Simultaneously, to address the biodiversity crisis, the European Commission has set ambitious plans to protect and restore marine ecosystems with binding targets by 2030. These commitments may lead to conflicts as we address these complex and overlapping goals in Europe’s busy seas.
In the Mediterranean basin, although offshore wind capacity and the accompanying electricity grids are in their early stages, numerous projects are in the pipeline and hold the potential to contribute to the region’s energy transition. A sustainable transition in the Mediterranean will require, among other elements, due consideration of its rich biodiversity, the adoption of innovative technology tailored to its unique context and the engagement of diverse stakeholders.
Against this backdrop, this workshop brought together the perspectives of wind developers, transmission system operators, and NGOs to discuss the complexities and key components of nature-friendly offshore wind and grid development. Drawing lessons learned from the North and Baltic Seas, the workshop focused on the challenges and opportunities for the Mediterranean Sea basin.
This workshop was organised by the Renewables Grid Initiative, WindEurope, and Members of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature, in both the North and Baltic Seas and the Mediterranean Sea. A networking lunch directly followed our workshop.
