On Thursday 16 July, the European Commission published the roadmap for its future strategy to foster the ambitious and sustainable deployment and integration of offshore renewable energy by 2030 and 2050, including offshore wind and solar energy, as well as tidal and ocean energy.
“To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, we need to increase the EU’s offshore energy production twenty times”, said Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson on this occasion.
As part of the European Green Deal, this strategy will identify actions at the European, national, transnational and regional levels, says the roadmap, mentioning in particular the revision of the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) Regulation planned for the end of the year.
In particular, the strategy will propose ways to support and strengthen the EU’s global industrial and technological leadership in the offshore renewable energy sector.
It will also ensure that the development of offshore energy can be carried out in a sustainable manner and with respect for other users of the maritime space (fishermen, etc.), by taking into account aspects such as minimising the impact on biodiversity and the marine environment and the circular economy.
The roadmap also stresses the importance of establishing a “long-term regional cooperation and planning framework” bringing together the relevant Member States, national regulatory authorities, transmission system operators, renewable energy suppliers, local authorities, citizens and stakeholders.
Contributions to the roadmap can be submitted until 13 August. In addition, a public consultation is open until 24 September.
To view the roadmap and participate in the public consultation: https://bit.ly/2WGAggg (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)