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Launch of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN)

16 November 2020

The Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) brings together NGOs, wind industry and transmission system operators (TSOs) across Europe to cooperate on the sustainable deployment of offshore wind, while ensuring alignment with nature protection and healthy marine ecosystems.

The 18 founding Members have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU defines how OCEaN Members will work together on developing a voluntary collaborative approach to planning environmentally-friendly offshore wind energy and grid infrastructure.

OCEaN work will support the Maritime Spatial Plans and contribute to the elaboration and implementation of the European climate, energy and environmental objectives. OCEaN strives to fill knowledge gaps, develop and suggest solutions needed and monitor developments as well as impacts and efficacy of measures in the offshore space.

An online launch event on 16 November 2020 presented OCEaN and its goals, with words of support from select Members.

“RGI is proud to be part of this Coalition and to act as convener and coordinator for this diverse group of stakeholders. Renewable Offshore infrastructure is essential for Europe to meet its climate and energy targets. Planning collaboratively and with an ecosystem approach is the only way to avoid damages, delays and conflicts.”
Antonella Battaglini

Antonella Battaglini

CEO, Renewables Grid Initiative

"The Mediterranean Sea has huge potential for offshore wind. The EU Commission sees it supporting up to 76 GW by 2050 – most of it floating. It would mean up to €100bn in new investment. And it would make a major contribution to improving energy security in the region. To tap into this potential, countries should introduce clear targets for offshore wind, ensure the relevant permitting decisions are taken efficiently and that they coordinate and collaborate with other countries in the same sea basin. Offshore wind in the Mediterranean also needs to be built out in an environmentally friendly way. To that end, it’s great that the OCEaN Coalition between the offshore wind industry, TSOs, and biodiversity NGOs is now being extended to the Mediterranean. The new 'MED OCEaN' Coalition will help us expand offshore wind and protect natural capital at the same time."
Giles Dickson

Giles Dickson

CEO, WindEurope

"Our oceans are a rich resource, both of mindblowing clean energy potential and of awesome marine life. As we harvest sustainable offshore power to fight the climate crisis, we must ensure we preserve and protect the ecosystems within our waters. If we get it right, both nature and the climate will reap the rewards."
Antonia Leroy

Antonia Leroy

Head of Ocean Policy, WWF European Policy Office

Links

OCEaN Memorandum of Understanding - November 2020

Founding Members of OCEaN

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