Innovation area I
Social and economic issues of the expansion of offshore wind energy
In this innovation area, the potential for conflict, opportunities and conditions for the success of offshore expansion, the design of the necessary participation processes and the evaluation of the expansion targets under various techno-economic scenarios are analyzed. The knowledge gained should enable socially and economically viable, socially just and ecologically compatible marine and coastal management.
Subproject I.1
Analysis of potential conflicts, opportunities and conditions for the success of offshore expansion
The sub-project investigates the potential for conflict, opportunities and conditions for success of offshore expansion in the coastal regions. The planned offshore expansion means a significant industrialization boost for the German North Sea and its coastal regions. Its realization requires not only a corresponding development and expansion of the necessary energy, port and transport infrastructures as well as production and maintenance operations and an adaptation of the social infrastructures.
At the same time, it also encounters an already socially structured area that is characterized by specific political, economic and civil society demands and expectations. On the one hand, offshore expansion opens up opportunities for the often structurally weak regions, but these must first be developed and utilized locally. On the other hand, the extensive effects for the regional economy and local services of general interest associated with it also harbor potential for conflict, which can strengthen opposition to offshore expansion.
Researchers
Prof. Dr. habil. Berthold Vogel
SOFI Göttingen
Dr. Andreas Kannen
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Subproject I.2
Designing the necessary participation processes
The sub-project aims at early communication and participation of relevant stakeholder groups in order to clarify preferences, identify conflicts and develop solutions.
This is intended to promote social support and acceptance in society and enable the collaborative development of innovative solutions and transformative strategies for the energy transition.
Another research objective is to identify factors that promote and hinder offshore wind energy expansion
Researchers
Prof. Dr. Bernd Siebenhüner
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
Dr. Andreas Kannen
Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon
Subproject I.3
Evaluation of the expansion targets under various techno-economic scenarios
The sub-project focuses on an economic assessment of the planned expansion in the German Exclusive Economic Zone, taking into account various techno-economic scenarios with the aim of creating an overall model.
This model can be used to estimate how likely the expansion is under the conditions of land scarcity and plausible co-use compared to its European neighbors and what costs result for industry and society, so that this can be included in the social acceptance considerations.
Researchers
Dr. Martin Dörenkämper
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES)
