Go-to renewable zones

At the offshore wind conference "Science Meets Industry," perspectives from politics, industry, and science provided insights into the current situation of offshore wind in Europe.

Conference Background:

In March 2023, energy ministers from nine European countries signed an agreement committing to install at least 120 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and at least 300 GW by 2050.

The Ostend Declaration is considered a milestone on the path to a greener and more energy-independent Europe.

In the Ostend Declaration, Norway has committed to:

Norway aims to establish at least 3 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including 1.5 GW of floating wind, and will allocate areas suitable for 30 GW of offshore wind by 2040.

Eirik's Presentation:

Eirik delivered a presentation on the proposed changes to the Renewable Energy Directive currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council. The changes include, among other things, that states must identify so-called "renewable go-to areas" for renewable energy where concession processes will be significantly faster and streamlined.

"Renewable go-to areas" are specific areas, both onshore and offshore, designated by member states as particularly suitable for the installation of facilities for renewable energy production.

In addition to the specific proposals, Eirik also discussed the legal implications of these proposals. He believes that regardless of these, the changes to concession processes within identified "renewable go-areas" will lead to a highly efficient development of offshore wind.

Read more about the proposed changes in the Renewable Energy Directive here.