Poor planning, not lack of sea space, is slowing offshore wind
WWF says Europe can scale wind while leaving most of its seas free
Europe can scale up offshore wind without crowding out other uses of the sea, according to a new analysis from WWF that pins delays on planning rather than a lack of space.
The briefing calculates that meeting EU offshore wind targets would take just 0.19% of EU seas by 2030, rising to 0.58% by 2040, with only four member states needing more than 5% of their waters by 2040. Even with the EU's goal of protecting 30% of its seas, nearly 70% would remain available for other users. The core problem, WWF argues, is weak spatial planning and fragmented decision-making, which drive delays and conflicts.
The group wants strategic environmental assessments made binding, with EU-wide sensitivity mapping integrated into them and strengthened assessments embedded in the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive.
WWF ocean policy officer Aliki Kolovou said the idea that Europe's seas are full is a myth, and that with stronger planning and sensitivity mapping, offshore wind, nature and coastal livelihoods could coexist. She added that the upcoming Ocean Act gave the European Commission an opportunity to fix its planning process and dedicate enough space for both wind and marine protection.
