Η European Commission presented in November, its plan for a massive increase in the offshore wind energy. The aim is to increase offshore wind energy by 25 times as part of the efforts of the EU to phase out fossil fuels and to fight against global warming.
But as the Europe is preparing to increase offshore wind capacity from 12 Gigawatts (GW) today to 60 GW by 2050, the Green expressed concerns about the conservation of marine ecosystems.
«Unfortunately, the strategy does not provide for the precautionary principle,» said Grace O'Sullivan, Irish Member of the European Parliament for Green Party.
«Offshore renewables should not burden the marine ecosystems and the biodiversity», she said in a statement, calling on EU member states «to ensure adequate protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems and biodiversity» when developing new offshore wind farms.
Of course, the European Greens were positive about the main aspects of the strategy presented, saying that «offshore wind energy is key to achieving the goals of the European Union's energy policy". a climate-neutral Europe» and «shall form an integral part of the European Green Deal».
They also criticised the Commission for being too timid with the offshore wind plan, saying that «the interim target of 60 GW by 2030 is not enough to achieve the 450 GW needed for climate neutrality».
However, the Greens' concerns about biodiversity reflect growing concerns about wider ecological issues raised by development. offshore RES, as Europe begins to plan for further expansion.
While the Commission praises the economic and climate benefits of offshore wind energy, it insists that the strategy takes into account wider ecological and social aspects.
«Today's strategy outlines how we can develop offshore renewables, in combination with other human activities such as fishing, aquaculture or shipping, and in harmony with nature,» said Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Environment Commissioner.
«The proposals will also allow us to protect biodiversity and address potential socio-economic consequences for sectors that rely on the good health of marine ecosystems, thus promoting healthy coexistence in the marine space,» Sinkevičius said in a statement.
French resistance
In France, a nuclear power, offshore wind has never generated much enthusiasm, especially in coastal areas where economic activity is mainly based on fishing and tourism. Citizens' associations in local communities often resist offshore projects, fearing that they will harm their livelihoods.
In the Bay of Saint-Brieuc of Brittany, an offshore wind farm was approved in 2011, but was blocked by local associations, who strongly protested, calling it a «failed» debate and the absence of an environmental impact assessment, which finally started four years later, in 2015. .
In fact, the local fishermen have gone to the EU court, pointing out the negative effects that the offshore wind project would have on various species of fish, or on the famous shells of the Gulf of Saint-Brieuc.
As a result, to date not a single offshore wind farm has been built in France, despite the licences granted by the French state following public calls for tenders in 2011, 2013 and 2016.
«As long as we do not have evidence of a successful (offshore) French wind farm, it will be difficult to dispel the doubts of local stakeholders,» said Anne Georgelin, head of the French RES association, who spoke to French EURACTIV.
The European Commission recognises these issues. «Our Green Deal cannot be successful without public support», said the Commissioner Kadri Simson, following a question from a French journalist about local resistance to offshore wind projects.
Potential issues to consider when planning offshore wind farms include fisheries, tourism and shipping, Simson said.
According to her, cooperation with local communities is of paramount importance for national authorities when it comes to offshore RES.
Finally, he recalled the wider benefits of offshore wind energy, saying, among other things, that «provides employment opportunities for people in coastal areas», which also needs to be taken into account.
