European Commission pledges 60GW offshore wind capacity by 2030

November 19, 2020

offshore wind capacity, climate — © Björkdahl Per

The Commission has proposed a specific goal for their ambitions of climate neutrality by 2050, which is offshore wind capacity up to 60GW by 2030

Climate neutrality is one of the most urgent global priorities, highlighted by the severe impact of climate change made visible by the impact of COVID-19. NASA researchers recently calculated that pandemic restrictions have reduced global nitrogen dioxide concentrations by nearly 20%. Wuhan, China was the first municipality reporting an outbreak of COVID-19. It was also the first to show reduced nitrogen dioxide emissions–60% lower than simulated values expected. A 60% decrease in Milan and a 45% decrease in New York followed shortly, as their local restrictions went into effect.

As the world gently eases out of a permanent lockdown and vaccines continue to break records, the world will be back to full use by Spring 2021. This means that all climate-focused Governments are currently rebooting their policy ideas while we remain in the eye of the storm.

The new offshore wind policies

To help meet the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission today presents the EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy. The Strategy proposes to increase Europe’s offshore wind capacity from its current level of 12 GW to at least 60 GW by 2030 and to 300 GW by 2050. The Commission aims to complement this with 40 GW of ocean energy and other emerging technologies such as floating wind and solar by 2050.

Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans said: “Today’s strategy shows the urgency and opportunity of ramping up our investment in offshore renewables. With our vast sea basins and industrial leadership, the European Union has all that it needs to rise up to the challenge.

“Already, offshore renewable energy is a true European success story. We aim to turn it into an even greater opportunity for clean energy, high quality jobs, sustainable growth, and international competitiveness.”

What will this new strategy cost?

An investment of nearly €800 billion will be needed between now and 2050 to keep the Commission on track to meet these targets. The supply chain will need to be strengthened so that offshore renewables can be deployed, managed and bought appropriately. They propose a dedicated platform via the Clean Energy Industrial Forum. The Recovery and Resilience Facility and European Investment Bank will support investments in offshore energy via InvestEU – Horizon Europe funds will also be drawn to push research and development, especially in the most experimental techonologies.

How will this shape relationships with the US and Asia?

Offshore renewable energy is a rapidly growing global market, notably in Asia and the United States, and provides opportunities for EU industry around the world. Through its Green Deal diplomacy, trade policy and the EU’s energy dialogues with partner countries, the Commission will support global uptake of these technologies.

Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said: “Europe is a world leader in offshore renewable energy and can become a powerhouse for its global development. We must step up our game by harnessing all the potential of offshore wind and by advancing other technologies such as wave, tidal and floating solar.

“This Strategy sets a clear direction and establishes a stable framework, which are crucial for public authorities, investors and developers in this sector. We need to boost the EU’s domestic production to achieve our climate targets, feed the growing electricity demand and support the economy in its post-Covid recovery.”

The full strategy is available here.