Offshore renewable energy is increasingly present in Europe's seas, alongside the necessary grid infrastructure to transfer generated electricity onshore. RGI and the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature are working to ensure that this infrastructure includes measures that not only minimise environmental risks but also contribute to ecosystem enhancement.
The ongoing biodiversity and climate crisis have prompted various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), wind industry actors and transmission system operators (TSOs) to join forces and cooperate in a coalition to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind energy and grid infrastructure while ensuring alignment with nature protection and healthy marine ecosystems.
Launched in 2020, the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature – OCEaN – provides an open forum for discussion, where existing information and experiences are collected and assessed, needs for further research are identified, and solutions on how to improve and speed up the planning deployment of offshore wind development and grid infrastructure while preserving and restoring our European seas are jointly designed. RGI is a founding member of OCEaN and acts as the convener and moderator of the group.
RGI is actively working together with our NGO and TSO Members, partners and OCEaN Members to share knowledge, promote best practices, and discuss joint solutions. Below you can find highlights from OCEaN and RGI's offshore work, including:
RGI, with support from OCEaN Members, leads the organisation of various in-person events and webinars on topics which address how the deployment of offshore energy and grid infrastructure can align with nature protection and healthy marine ecosystems. These events bring together diverse stakeholders to jointly and openly discuss current challenges, identify knowledge gaps, and showcase solutions.
Event highlights include the successful conferences Speeding Up Nature Positive Offshore Energy Infrastructure Deployment in 2022 and Strong Winds, Thriving Seas in 2024 and the ongoing Nature Inclusive Design webinar series, which features Members of OCEaN presenting their experiences applying NID solutions in Europe's seas.
RGI is active in creating publications which aim to clarify, create shared understanding, and promote solutions on key issues related to the expansion of offshore wind and grid infrastructure and marine biodiversity protection. Since the launch of OCEaN in 2020, many of these studies, reports and discussion papers were published in collaboration with OCEaN Members.
Highlights include a report on avoidance and minimisation measures for offshore wind and grids, a discussion paper clarifying essential environmental concepts for the offshore wind energy sector, and a study reviewing biodiversity data and monitoring needs in the Baltic Sea and North Sea.
Finding synergies between initiatives tackling the reconciliation of energy and nature is one of the main tasks of RGI. The work that we carry out together with OCEaN Members is of great interest for policymakers and various audiences as it offers a unique multi-stakeholder perspective on offshore developments.
RGI and OCEaN Members have therefore published a range of statements and recommendations to inspire action from EU policymakers on topics such as better Maritime Spatial Planning and the design of offshore wind auctioning. From 2022-2024, these include a statement on an improved, robust and timely MSP process, a statement on ecological criteria in offshore wind farm auctions, and a statement on achieving nature- and people-friendly offshore wind and grids.
The OCEaN Energy & Nature Database collects and showcases innovative projects that demonstrate how offshore wind and grid infrastructure can enhance or restore marine ecosystems and provide a positive impact on local communities, whose well-being is linked to healthy ecosystems. The aim of this database is to share ideas and lessons that can inform and inspire other projects and that may be replicable if adapted to the local conditions, species, and habitats.
Projects included in this database have been implemented in the marine environments by wind energy developers, transmission system operators, research institutes, local communities, and/or environmental NGOs. They vary in their objective and scope, ranging from restoration actions to nature-inclusive designs which enhance marine habitats.
Learn more in a series of video interviews where we hear from the practitioners putting these measures into action!
Fish hotels on grid infrastructure (TenneT)
Stone Reef Reconstruction (WWF and 50Hertz)
The Rich North Sea (The North Sea Foundation and Natuur & Milieu)
Humber Estuary Restoration (Ørsted)
The Marine Grid Declaration sets a precedent for environmentally-sound and inclusive decision-making in offshore grid development. It establishes an agreed framework of principles which will guide the signatories in their efforts to avoid, minimise and where possible eliminate negative impacts on the marine environment. It also supports early stakeholder engagement and effective planning and decision-making processes.
22 RGI Members, alongside additional environmental NGOs and wind industry stakeholders, signed the Declaration in 2019 and committed to its principles to support the smooth deployment of the offshore grid infrastructure needed to integrate a growing amount of renewables and meet Europe’s climate and energy targets.
Cristina Simioli
Director - Offshore Energy and Nature
Director - Offshore Energy and Nature
t: +49 30 2332 11023
RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
