Today, as part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission is launching the EU Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy, proposing to increase offshore wind capacity in Europe from the current level of 12 GW to at least 60 GW by 2030 and to 300 GW by 2050. This Strategy gives Europe a strategic direction for the ambitious deployment of offshore renewable energy technologies in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Tapping into the technological and physical potential of European Seas is crucial for Europe. European Seas hold a major opportunity to ramp up renewable power generation. The Strategy however emphasized the need to take a comprehensive approach, tapping into a wider spectrum of uses, supporting indirect electrification through hydrogen and synthetic fuels and decarbonized gases through energy system integration.
As presented today by the Commission, this ambitious growth Strategy will require nearly €800 billion of investments in order to reach Europe’s full potential. In an attempt to fulfil this potential, the European Commission will focus on:
- providing a clear and supportive legal framework;
- helping to mobilize all relevant funds to support the sector's development;
- and ensuring a strengthened supply chain.
The Strategy also proposes a framework for long-term offshore grid planning under the revision of TEN-E Regulation (expected to be delivered later this year).
Earlier work on the Strategy can be found here, where the Commission presented a roadmap and launched public consultations. More can be found on the official website for EU Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy.
Sources: European Commission, Politico Pro