Balancing nature, climate and people at sea: Nature-positive offshore wind

To deliver on the Paris Agreement goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C, Europe must rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt the use of fossil fuels in all human activities, including energy production.

Offshore wind is a competitive and reliable technology vital in this transition. But, unless well coordinated with other maritime sectors, its fast deployment can lead to conflicts between stakeholders and impact nature protection, which can in turn delay projects and make it more difficult to achieve a just, renewables-based economy.

But does the EU have enough space in its seas for new offshore wind infrastructure alongside existing maritime industries? Are Member States designating sufficient space in their seas for offshore wind to meet the EU’s climate goals?

Join us on 3 October, where WWF will present its latest assessment on the space needed at sea for offshore wind in the EU. The event will also explore the role of offshore wind to achieve the EU’s climate and energy targets, and how deployment of this infrastructure must be done in harmony with other blue economy sectors and in support of thriving nature in our seas.

This event is organised by the WWF European Policy Office (WWF EU) and BirdLife, and co-hosted by MEPs Nicólas González Casares (ES, S&D) and Isabella Lövin (SE, Greens/EFA).

Panel discussion with:

• Felix Leinemann, Head of Unit - Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture and Maritime Spatial Planning at European Commission
• Malgosia Bartosik, Deputy CEO at WindEurope
• Cristina Simioli, Director Offshore Energy and Nature at Renewables Grid Initiative
• Rosalie Tukker, Senior Policy Advisor at Europêche
• Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary at the Low Impact Fishers of Europe Platform (LIFE)

Moderator: Dr Antonia Leroy, Head of EU Ocean Policy, WWF EU

Registration is required to participate in the event and spaces are limited. The deadline to register is 30 September.

Host or Publisher WWF European Policy Office