Introduction

In the Mediterranean region, the offshore wind energy capacity is limited. Members States have nonetheless announced ambitious plans for offshore renewables and connected grid infrastructure in the region. At the same time, the Mediterranean basin is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot and is among the seas most impacted by human activities – it therefore needs to be preserved.

Speeding up offshore wind developments while ensuring marine ecosystem protection requires to create a common understanding between all key actors and find new solutions together. After the successful collaboration between wind industry, TSOs, and NGOs in the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature in the North and Baltic Seas, a new Coalition with over 15 Members is now launching in the Mediterranean basin and adjacent Atlantic waters.

The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) is therefore delighted to invite you to the online launch event of the Offshore Coalition for Energy & Nature – Mediterranean Sea (Med OCEaN) on 28 September 2023, 14:30 – 15:30 CEST. Med OCEaN aims to develop a collaborative approach to support the sustainable deployment of offshore wind and grid infrastructure while preventing the loss of biodiversity and safeguarding healthy marine ecosystems.

This year, the founding Members have joined forces and defined how they will work together. This includes collaborating on topics such as Maritime Spatial Planning, regional cooperation, environmental impacts of floating technology, and the compatibility of offshore wind energy, nature, and other sectors. Moreover, the Med Coalition will strive to fill knowledge gaps, develop and suggest solutions needed, and monitor developments as well as impacts and efficacy of measures in the offshore space.