The declaration, adopted during the CBSS Baltic Offshore Wind Forum, builds upon previous commitments for a cooperative, regional approach to strengthen energy security and rapidly expand offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea. The ambition is to have at least 19.6 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 - an ambitious sevenfold increase compared to the previous 2.8 GW.[2][3] The European Commission estimates that in the Baltic Sea alone, the potential for offshore wind power is 93 GW.[4] On one hand, this is an important step forward toward an energy-resilient and climate-neutral Europe. On the other hand, countries have also committed to meet global and EU biodiversity targets including protecting 30% of seas by 2030. Energy and biodiversity targets may come into conflict, if offshore renewable energy developments are not carefully planned. 

All infrastructure, even renewable infrastructure, has an environmental impact which must be considered. However, there are opportunities for offshore wind to go beyond emissions reduction and apply measures that can not only minimise environmental risks but potentially contribute to the enhancement of ecosystems. To make sure nature stays a priority in the face of rapid development – clear guidance for offshore renewables planning is needed.

A set of new guidelines [5] has been proposed by WWF and the Coalition Clean Baltic which includes a roadmap for effectively incorporating nature into the planning and identification of areas for developing offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea.

“Increasing offshore renewable energy is a very important step towards decarbonisaton, energy independence and security. However, reaching climate and energy ambitions cannot come at the expense of nature. We need joint actions and proper planning to allow protection and restoration of our marine ecosystems, which are much needed actions in the Baltic Sea," says Andrea Cervantes, CCB Biodiversity Officer.

“There is no doubt we need more offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea, and we welcome closer transnational collaboration to help achieve this, but nature must be included in the careful planning of this expansion. This is the only way to ensure we meet both energy and environmental targets," explains Johanna Fox, Director of the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme.

*Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden (plus Iceland and Norway).

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