Wind energy use in the Mediterranean – PHAROS4MPAS

To date (2022), no offshore wind farms exist in the Mediterranean region. The first one is scheduled to start operation in Italy in 2022. It is assumed however that the development of wind turbines in this region will considerably increase over the following years.

Further development also raises concerns about the – potentially harmful – influences of wind farms on the environment. An increasing number of marine protected areas have been designated in the Mediterranean partially overlapping with planned wind farms.

Based on experiences with existing wind farms in mainly Northern Europe, the BioConsult SH report summarises information about the impacts of offshore wind farms on the marine environment. It provides an overview over different installation techniques, influences on marine fauna and habitats as well as technical possibilities and legal requirements in European countries to avoid or minimise negative impacts. This information from countries experienced in offshore wind energy use is transferred to the Mediterranean and adapted to local conditions. A particular focus is on the influence of offshore wind farms on marine protected areas.

The WWF report based on this study provides guidance for the involved parties in the wind energy sector to ensure an as environmentally friendly development as possible.