NiD4OCEAN

The expansion of offshore renewable energy is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, but it often conflicts with marine biodiversity preservation. Traditional infrastructure can harm marine habitats, disrupt ecosystems and pose threats to wildlife. Balancing energy needs with environmental protection is a challenge for policymakers and industry leaders. There is a need for innovative solutions that support both sustainable energy and biodiversity goals.

The NiD4OCEAN project addresses this by advancing nature-inclusive designs for offshore renewables, targeting the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Western Mediterranean as case studies. Following a transdisciplinary approach, the project develops effective, context-dependent solutions for industry, managers, and policy makers to achieve the global and EU targets for carbon neutrality, biodiversity restoration and a sustainable blue economy. 

The project involves 13 partners from Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, representing research institutes (NIVA, Akvaplan-NIVA, Wageningen Research, Deltares and CSIC), universities (Danish Technical University, University of Klaipéda), environmental NGOs (North Sea Foundation), a non-profit organization (Renewables Grid Initiative), a science communication SME (Science Crunchers), a certification and risk management company (DNV), and the energy industry (ScottishPower Renewables, Equinor).  

Main objectives:

• Map existing solutions and fostering co-creation of novel nature inclusive design (NiD) and nature-based solutions (NBS) for offshore renewables
• Assess biological, socio-economic, and social benefits and risks of NiDs for OWF
• Science-based guidelines towards standards for the selection, implementation and monitoring requirements for NiDs
• Raise awareness of the need to prioritise win-win solutions for biodiversity and decarbonisation