Managing the growth of offshore wind energy and marine ecosystem protection in Europe
Understanding the trade-offs involved in placing turbines in sensitive and vulnerable coastal waters, coupled with an integrated planning approach when expanding marine protected areas, can help to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, according to the EEA briefing “Harnessing offshore wind while preserving the seas“.
It notes that the installation of offshore wind farms can be combined with other measures that benefit the environment. For example, offshore wind installations can also offer space for setting up marine sanctuaries or for sustainable aquaculture operations. Offshore wind deployment can also lead to positive impacts on the local environment, such as leading to the creation of new habitats, based on artificial reefs.
