On 29 August, Nordic Energy Research together with DNV and subcontractor Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA) hosted the first of two workshops on Co-existence and nature inclusive design in Nordic offshore wind farms – as part of a study commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

In view of unpreceded energy prices and supply disruptions, governments are pursuing faster permitting processes and strive for a balanced co-existence of economic and ecological needs. The aim is to rapidly increase offshore wind energy generation and to strengthen European energy security.

The first workshop gathered 70 Nordic and Baltic stakeholders – public officials, wind farm investors, developers and operators, maritime commercial interests, NGOs, civil society, and scientific experts. Through enthusiastic and constructive discussions, in a total of 20 break-out groups, the participants identified tendering instruments needed to facilitate successful co-existence when developing offshore wind farms. The next workshop on 20 October will focus on the necessary arenas and partnerships.

Results from these discussions will be presented at a meeting of Nordic energy ministers in fall 2022 and published early 2023.