Europe’s capacity to convert wind power into electricity at sea should be up to 2050 from currently 12 GW to be expanded to 300 GW. This provides for a new strategy for renewable wind energy capacity by the EU Commission. On top of that, 40 GW of electricity is to be generated from ocean energy and from floating wind and solar systems. A total of 800 billion euros would have to be invested for this, estimates the EU Commission.

The EU Commission defines ocean energy as wave or tidal power plants or the use of algae to produce biofuels in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic. European companies and laboratories are currently in the lead here, according to the EU strategy. The development of less mature technology is to be promoted with research funds.

Evaluation of the effects The Commission also takes into account that “production capacities and Port infrastructures need to be improved and more adequately trained workers are needed to cope with higher installation rates “. She plans to set up a separate platform for renewable offshore energy to bring all stakeholders together and to tackle the development of the supply chain.

To the ecological, social and economic To analyze and monitor the impact of renewable offshore energy on the marine environment and the economic activities that depend on it, the Commission intends to bring in experts from public administrations, stakeholders and scientists. The Commission has also adopted a new guide to developing wind energy and EU nature legislation.

Economic potential ” Offshore wind and cross-border projects can play a central role on the way to a climate-neutral Europe and are therefore also a focus of the German Council Presidency “, said Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier about the strategy. In particular, regulations are needed so that wind power from cross-border projects can be effectively integrated into the market and transported away.

The background to the strategy is to use “clean electricity” to achieve the EU goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and thus counteract climate change. The commission also motivates the economic potential of offshore energy. The global market for this is growing rapidly, especially in Asia and the USA, and is opening up opportunities for EU industry.

(anw)