A coalition of renewables developers, transmission system operators and NGOs, including Orsted, Siemens Gamesa and TenneT, have joined forces to cooperate on the sustainable deployment of offshore wind.
The 18 organisations from across Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding and committed themselves to working together to develop offshore wind, while ensuring alignment with nature protection and healthy marine ecosystems.
Other members of the group are Vattenfall, WindEurope, 50Hertz, Amprion, Elia, Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), RSPB, RTE, NABU, CAN Europe, BirdLife International, Natuur & Milieu, Stichting De Noordzee, WWF and The Wildlife Trusts.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “This is an excellent initiative. Industry and NGOs need to work together for the EU to fulfil its climate and biodiversity objectives, become the first climate-neutral continent and be an example to the world.
“Offshore wind energy will be a central part of Europe’s energy transition, of a just transition and of economic recovery.
“The wind industry is delighted to join forces with civil society and TSOs to ensure the expansion of offshore wind keeps our seas healthy, clean and productive. This is the start of essential collaboration.”
Renewables Grid Initiative chief executive Antonella Battaglini said: “RGI is proud to be part of this coalition and to act as convener and coordinator for this diverse group of stakeholders.
“Renewable offshore infrastructure is essential for Europe to meet its climate and energy targets.
“Planning collaboratively and with an ecosystem approach is the only way to avoid damages, delays and conflicts.”
WWF European Policy Office head of ocean policy Antonia Leroy said: “Our oceans are a rich resource, both of mind-blowing clean energy potential and of awesome marine life.
“As we harvest sustainable offshore power to fight the climate crisis, we must ensure we preserve and protect the ecosystems within our waters.
“If we get it right, both nature and the climate will reap the rewards.”