Achieving offshore wind and biodiversity targets: opportunities and lessons learned in Europe’s seas
- https://offshore-coalition.eu/events/achieving-offshore-wind-and-biodiversity-targets-opportunities-and-lessons-learned-in-europes-seas
- Achieving offshore wind and biodiversity targets: opportunities and lessons learned in Europe’s seas
- 2024-03-21T11:00:00+01:00
- 2024-03-21T13:00:00+01:00
- This workshop took place at WindEurope's Annual Event in Bilbao and brought together the perspectives of wind developers, transmission system operators, and NGOs to discuss the complexities and key components of nature-friendly offshore wind and grid development. Drawing lessons learned from the North and Baltic Seas, the event focused on the challenges and opportunities for the Mediterranean Sea basin.
- When Mar 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM (Europe/Berlin / UTC100)
- Where Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Atrium 1 - located between Hall 1 and 3
- Contact Name Manon Quetstroey
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In response to the twin crises of climate change and energy security, Europe is committed to expanding renewables, with a significant share planned as offshore wind. Simultaneously, to address the biodiversity crisis, the European Commission has set ambitious plans to protect and restore marine ecosystems with binding targets by 2030. These commitments may lead to conflicts as we address these complex and overlapping goals in Europe’s busy seas.
In the Mediterranean basin, although offshore wind capacity and the accompanying electricity grids are in their early stages, numerous projects are in the pipeline and hold the potential to contribute to the region’s energy transition. A sustainable transition in the Mediterranean will require, among other elements, due consideration of its rich biodiversity, the adoption of innovative technology tailored to its unique context and the engagement of diverse stakeholders.
Against this backdrop, this workshop brought together the perspectives of wind developers, transmission system operators, and NGOs to discuss the complexities and key components of nature-friendly offshore wind and grid development. Drawing lessons learned from the North and Baltic Seas, the workshop focused on the challenges and opportunities for the Mediterranean Sea basin.
This workshop was organised by the Renewables Grid Initiative, WindEurope, and Members of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature, in both the North and Baltic Seas and the Mediterranean Sea.
Check out photos from the workshop here
Learn more about WindEurope's Annual Event
Agenda
11:00 | Welcome
- Antonella Battaglini, CEO, Renewables Grid Initiative
- Giles Dickson, CEO, WindEurope
11:25 | Expert Panel I
What are the key ways to ensure an environmentally friendly offshore wind and grid development in the Mediterranean basin?
Moderation: Antonella Battaglini, CEO, Renewables Grid Initiative
- Myriam Samba, Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs, BlueFloat Energy
- David Howell, Senior Energy Policy Officer, BirdLife Europe & Central Asia
- Mauro Randone, Regional Projects Manager, WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative
- Luis Velasco Bodega, Director of Facilities Development Support, Red Eléctrica
12:10 | Expert Panel II
Lessons learned from the North & Baltic Seas
Moderation: Ariel Brunner, Regional Director, BirdLife Europe and Central Asia
- Dr. Eva Julius-Philipp, Director Environment & Sustainability Unit BA Wind, Vattenfall
- Ewout van Galen, Director, The The North Sea Foundation
- Gro Waeraas de Saint Martin, Director Strategy & Development Offshore Grids, Réseau de Transport d'Électricité