Presentations

Abstract

"The large-scale development of offshore wind in the North Sea, projected at 300 GW by 2050, faces a fundamental challenge: approaches to ecology and circularity differ widely between countries. These variations in permitting and tendering processes create fragmentation, increase costs, and limit opportunities to maximize ecological and circular benefits. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated, cross-border solutions that integrate sustainability criteria in a consistent way. Some North Sea countries have few requirements on ecology and circularity, while others – such as the Netherlands – are actively integrating these criteria into tenders and permitting. This project introduces an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to harmonizing ecological and circular standards for offshore wind. It combines policy analysis, expert interviews, and stakeholder workshops to map the current landscape and identify common ground across national practices.   We will first map the existing practices of North Sea countries, focusing on ecology (mitigation, nature enhancement) and circularity (lifetime extension, sustainable decommissioning, material reuse). Building on earlier research and expert interviews, it will identify no-regret measures and propose a standard permitting approach that balances harmonization with space for innovation.   Co-creation with stakeholders from NGOs, industry, and policy, ensure that proposed standards are both scientifically sound and practically applicable. Alignment with European frameworks, including the national implementations of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), is central to the approach, positioning the outcomes within a broader policy context. Together, recommendations will be developed and consolidated into a position paper aimed at governments and key bodies such as NSEC, GNSBI, and OSPAR. Ultimately, this project aims to create a common standard that supports ecological restoration, efficient resource use, and a predictable, sustainable offshore wind roll-out across the North Sea."