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BSREC guest at conference Strong Winds, Thriving Seas – turning ambition into action for nature-friendly offshore wind and grids

On October 30, CSD participated in the Conference Strong Winds, Thriving Seas – turning ambition into action for nature-friendly offshore wind and grids, where it showcased the work of the Black Sea Renewable Energy Coalition (BSREC) to key experts and policy-makers. The conference provided an opportunity to present the goals of the Coalition to a wider audience and foster dialogue with potential collaborators and the media. A guided tour of the project stands and subsequent networking sessions facilitated in-depth discussions about partnerships and future initiatives.

The conference was organised by OCEaN, the Renewables Grid Initiative and WindEurope, bringing together key stakeholders working to translate offshore wind energy and biodiversity targets into concrete actions. Changemakers working on a nature- and people-positive offshore energy transition posed key asks to European policymakers, and learnt about innovative solutions combining offshore wind and grid developments with the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.

Members of the Offshore Coalition for Environment and Nature (OCEaN) called upon the incoming European Commission and EU Member States to ensure robust maritime spatial planning and make better use of ecological and social non-price criteria in offshore wind auctions. In their joint statement (available here), OCEaN Members further outlined how the EU’s biodiversity protection and restoration targets can go hand in hand with the further expansion of offshore wind and grid infrastructure.

OCEaN also launched a report on ‘Avoidance and minimisation of environmental impacts from offshore wind & grid infrastructure’ (available here). The report offers an overview of existing measures to reduce impacts, highlights knowledge gaps and provides recommendations on how to improve the deployment of offshore wind and grids to achieve even better outcomes for nature. Additionally, OCEaN launched an Energy and Nature database to support and inspire project developers, governments and permitting authorities.

The conference also featured an Energy & Nature Fair, showcasing 20 projects pioneering innovative approaches to maritime spatial planning, nature restoration, multi-use and the measurement of environmental impacts.

Learn more about the conference here