Increasing offshore renewable energy is essential for achieving a climate neutral Europe. This must be done in a way that protects our ocean and its ecosystems. 

What is the EU doing?

The European Commission published its first ‘offshore renewable energy strategy’ in 2020. Increasing renewables is crucial to fighting climate change. Yet ecosystems must be protected. Member States must ensure their upcoming marine spatial plans take both elements into account.

What is WWF doing? 

WWF advocates for a sustainable deployment of offshore renewable energy which balances environmental protection and socio-economic needs. 

Increasing offshore renewable energy is essential for achieving a climate neutral Europe.

The ocean plays a key role in mitigating climate change, but the resilience of our ocean is compromised. European seas are amongst the most intensively used in the world. Their biodiversity is declining, and most of our marine ecosystems are at risk.

That is why the expansion of offshore energy must be done in a way that protects our ocean and its ecosystems.

WWF is part of a coalition on sustainable offshore wind energy with NGOs and industry partners.  WWF is calling for Member States to deliver ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Plans by the EU deadline of March 2021.