19 November 2020
#EUGreenDeal
This EU Strategy will:
set ambitious targets for the growth of the offshore renewable energy sector
encourage public and private investment in new infrastructure and research
make it easier for different regions to work together more efficiently
provide a clear and stable legal framework
The EU is raising its climate targets for 2030 and is committed to
becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
Renewable energy will play an important role in reaching this
higher ambition – including the generation of more energy at
sea and from the sea.
The EU is already a world leader in offshore renewable energy
production and technologies. And there is potential for further
development in a cost-effective way.
The European Commission’s Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy
will help to make this happen and maintain the EU’s leadership
in this sector.
1991*
2010**
2030Today 2050
Average power capacity of offshore wind turbine 0,45MW 3MW 7,8MW
12GW ≥60GW 300GW
13MW ≥1GW 40GW
How it started, how it’s going, what’s the future
Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy
* First offshore wind farm: Vindeby, Denmark.
** Including UK
EU offshore wind energy capacity
Ocean energy capacity (e.g. wave, tidal)
3GW
3,8MW
5MW
Offshore Renewable Energy is good for Europe’s economy,
environment and society
Main elements of the strategy
Investment
Encourage the necessary investment to effectively develop offshore renewable technologies
- estimated at almost €800 billion between now and 2050
Increase certainty for investors and smooth the path for investments, ease bottlenecks,
and find the best combination of public and private finance
Regional Cooperation
Promote cross-border cooperation, in particular in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean
Sea, Black Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and outermost regions and overseas territories
Promote a pan-European supply chain involving multiple regions, in coastal and inland areas
Enhance maritime spatial planning for a successful large-scale deployment of offshore
renewable energy and the sustainable use of our sea space and resources
Predictable Legal Framework
Promote innovative projects that will ensure a cost-effective deployment of offshore
renewable energy
Give certainty to promoters and reduce risk for investors
Strengthening Supply Chains and Supporting Continuous Innovation
Maintain and develop European technological and research leadership
Upgrade port infrastructure to support deployment and connection of offshore energy
Boost the full industrial value chain in Europe, including skills and labour support
ECONOMY
• Investment, growth and
export opportunities for
European industry;
• Green jobs for citizens in
coastal regions and inland,
for example in manufacturing
and research;
• Reduced dependence on
imported energy, including
fossil fuels.
ENVIRONMENT
• Reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions;
• Increased production of clean
and renewable energy;
• Protection of the environment
and biodiversity.
SOCIETY
• More affordable energy for
European consumers;
• A more stable energy
supply;
• Improved health and wellbeing
of citizens through
decreased air pollution.
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Print  ISBN 978-92-76-26115-5	 doi:10.2833/756349	 MJ-03-20-788-EN-C
PDF  ISBN 978-92-76-26112-4	 doi:10.2833/219143	 MJ-03-20-788-EN-N