Danish MEP Morten Helveg Petersen has been selected as the European Parliament’s lead on drawing up an offshore wind strategy.
Petersen will work on the blueprint as Special Rapporteur to deliver on the bloc’s sector ambitions, which include a 300GW by 2050 target.
It is understood the strategy will be published later this year and will address a range of issues such as grid, planning and so-called hybrid projects.
In a post on Facebook, Helveg Petersen said it is no coincidence a Dane has been selected.
“Exactly 30 years ago this year, Denmark built the world’s first offshore wind farm, Vindeby near Lolland. Therefore…Denmark is today a leader when it comes to utilizing the energy in the wind at sea, and that expertise must now be brought into play at EU level.”
He said the EU needs to “speed up development” to “get rid of fossil fuels and slow down climate change”.
“Today, it takes too long to get an offshore wind farm approved. It should go faster and easier.”