Offshore energy strategy for a climate neutral future
In a bid to meet the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission has launched (19/11) an offshore renewable energy strategy for a climate neutral future.
The strategy proposes to increase Europe’s offshore wind capacity from current 12 GW production to a minimum of 60 GW by 2030 and to 300 GW by 2050, including 40 GW from emerging technologies such as floating wind and solar.
These ambitious targets are based on production across all of Europe’s sea basins (North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic) and on the ‘global leadership position’ of EU companies in offshore energy technologies.
Investment of up to €800bn will be needed between now and 2050 to meet the proposed objectives, the Commission has outlined.
Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal said the strategy underpins the urgency and opportunity of “ramping up” investment in offshore renewables:
“The European Union has all that it needs to rise up to the challenge. Already, ORE is a true European success story.
“We aim to turn it into an even greater opportunity for clean energy, high quality jobs, sustainable growth and international competitiveness.”
Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said Europe was a “world leader” in ORE and could become a “powerhouse” for its global development:
“We must step up our game by harnessing all the potential of offshore wind and by advancing other technologies such as wave, tidal and floating solar.”
The Strategy sets a “clear direction” and establishes a “stable framework” which are crucial for public authorities, investors and developers.”
Cooperation
To achieve the targets, the Commission is encouraging cross-border cooperation between member states on long-term planning and deployment.
This will require integration of ORE development objectives in the maritime spatial plans that coastal states are due to submit to the Commission by March 2021.
The Commission is also proposing a framework under the revised TEN-E Regulation for long-tern offshore grid planning, involving regulators and Member States in each sea basin.
Support measures
The Commission will provide a ‘clear and supportive legal framework’ and has clarified the electricity market rules in an accompanying Staff Working Document. It will also assess whether more specific and targeted rules are needed.
It will also ensure that revisions of state aid guidelines on energy and environmental protection and the Renewable Energy Directive will facilitate ‘cost-effective’ deployment of renewable offshore energy.
The Commission is also encouraging Member States to use the Recovery and Resilience Facility and to work with the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions to support investments through InvestEU.
Horizion Europe Funds will also be mobilised to support research and development, particularly in emerging technologies.
A dedicated platform on offshore renewables within the Clean Energy Industrial Forum will be established to address supply chain development. The Strategy highlights the need to improve manufacturing capacity and port infrastructure and to increase the skilled workforce.
Environmental impacts of ORE on the marine environment along with social and economic impacts will be monitored and analysed through regular consultation with public authorities, stakeholders and scientists.
The Commission has also adopted a new ‘guidance document’ on wind energy development and EU nature legislation.
Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said the strategy outlines how ORE can be developed alongside fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and in harmony with nature:
“The proposals will also allow us to protect biodiversity and to address possible socio-economic consequences for sectors relying on good health of marine ecosystems, thus promoting a sound coexistence within the maritime space.”
