TP V.4 Impact of wind farms on marine physics and the environment

A sub-project in innovation area V – Marine pressure limits and cumulative ecological impacts

Scenario-based What-IF simulations are used to investigate the cumulative impacts of single and multiple wind farms during installation, operation and decommissioning of wind farms, taking into account future climate change projections and operational options on marine physics and the environment.

Subproject I.1 Opportunities and conditions for success of the Offshore expansion

Sub-project in Innovation Area I – Social and economic issues relating to the expansion of offshore wind energy

The sub-project investigates the opportunities and conditions for success of offshore expansion in 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 the corresponding development and expansion of necessary energy, port and transport infrastructures as well as production and maintenance operations and an adaptation of 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.

Subproject I.2 Designing the necessary participation processes

Sub-project in Innovation Area I – Social and economic issues relating to the expansion of offshore wind energy

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.