Introduction

Reaching the EU’s offshore wind and grid ambitions should be viewed as an opportunity to create a new normal where biodiversity protection and restoration is pursued side-by-side with infrastructure deployment. But how do we turn these ambitions into tangible actions?

The Renewables Grid Initiative, WindEurope, and the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) addressed this question at our conference ‘Strong Winds, Thriving Seas’ ! Throughout the day, we spotlighted leading experts working on a nature- and people-positive offshore energy transition and allowed participants to explore a solutions-oriented fair, hear priorities from the next generation of European decision makers, and pose their own policy asks.

All of this was complemented by highlights from OCEaN’s work across European sea basins. Since 2020, OCEaN’s diverse Members – representing wind developers, transmission system operators, and NGOs across two Coalitions in the Mediterranean and North and Baltic Seas – have been engaged in key dialogues to advance offshore wind and nature objectives in harmony.

OCEaN – North & Baltic Seas released a statement at the conference, outlining how the EU’s biodiversity protection and restoration targets can go hand in hand with the further expansion of offshore wind and grid infrastructure. To achieve these joint goals, OCEaN Members called upon the incoming European Commission and EU Member States to ensure robust maritime spatial planning and make better use of ecological and social non-price criteria in offshore wind auctions. Additional launched tools and products from OCEaN are outlined in our joint press release. 

We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the collaborative discussion on 30 October in Brussels!