Orsted has joined forces with WWF to advance offshore wind deployment that enhances ocean biodiversity, and drive a global shift towards addressing climate and biodiversity goals together.
Under the five-year global partnership Orsted and the international wildlife charity will jointly identify, develop, and advocate for offshore wind deployment initiatives and approaches that not only are in balance with nature but also enhance biodiversity.
This will include innovating and testing tangible initiatives that improve ocean biodiversity in general and can be used as additional measures to achieve a net-positive impact on biodiversity.
They will also develop science-based recommendations for how governments can incorporate ocean biodiversity requirements in offshore wind development.
Finally, the pair will work to bring together those who use the ocean and those who seek to protect its health and deliver on a common vision for a decarbonised energy system that exists alongside marine nature protection and restoration.
One key issue is how to make space in the ocean for both increased nature and increased offshore wind energy.
A renewed and innovative approach to ecosystem-based marine spatial planning which takes an integrated approach to meeting climate and biodiversity goals is needed.
The partnership will work to drive forward the international debate and the collaboration needed to bring about this fundamental global shift.
To kick off this work, Orsted and WWF will invite leading experts to discuss the best way forward at a joint event at COP27.
WWF International director general Marco Lambertini said: “The planned expansion of offshore wind risks having a negative impact on biodiversity if done in the wrong way.
“However, if done right, it can support and enhance ocean biodiversity and create a net-positive biodiversity impact.
“This is why this partnership between Orsted and WWF is so important to developing offshore wind energy with a net-positive impact on the ocean.
“It’s ambitious, but it’s absolutely necessary.”
Group president and chief executive of Orsted Mads Nipper added: “Governments accelerate the build-out of offshore wind energy to end their dependence on fossil fuels and power the world sustainably.
“If done in the right way, offshore wind projects can enhance ocean biodiversity, improving ocean health, and thereby address both the climate and biodiversity crises.
“Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss together allows for a much-needed shift in the way governments, NGOs, and businesses work to solve these interrelated crises.
“Solutions must complement one another, not come at the expense of each other.”