Eolus is one of the leading developers of renewable energy in the Nordics. When developing offshore wind power, we want to do so responsibly and preserve the sensitive marine environment. Therefore, Eolus has drawn up a commitment for 2022–2025 together with the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) that covers all our offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea. We are committed to accounting for the fragile state of the sea and working for the protection of the Baltic Sea in several ways, such as raising awareness and identifying the potential effects of offshore wind on the marine environment. Read more about Eolus’ Baltic Sea Commitment here.
Benefits of offshore wind power
Offshore wind energy is seen as a key contributor to achieving the EU’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. As technology advances, the electricity generation potential of offshore wind power is significantly higher than that of onshore wind power. The production of wind power is more efficient because the wind at sea is stronger and more even.
Other sectors within marine production may also be located in connection with offshore wind farms. In this way, the sea area can be utilized efficiently and in an economically beneficial manner, and in addition, a larger part could be left in an untouched state.
The biggest threat to the Baltic Sea is eutrophication
Eutrophication is the gradual increase in concentration of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. This can result in greater concentrations of algae and microscopic organisms, which prevent light penetration and oxygen absorption which is crucial for marine life.
The Baltic Sea is becoming eutrophicated mainly due to an excess of phosphorus and nitrogen. Today, energy production derived from fossil fuels is one of the largest emitters of nitrogen, which is why the transition to renewable energy is so important. The effects of climate change, such as increased precipitation and lack of snow coverage, increase the amount of nutrients into the sea, for example from agricultural areas. The Baltic Sea is particularly vulnerable to the effects of eutrophication due to its low salinity.
Changes in the conditions of the Baltic Sea threaten key species that are important for the entire biota, and water warming affects, for example, fish. Fish that thrive in cold waters, such as whitefish and pike, are decreasing in numbers, while the number of roach fish is increasing. Changes in the Baltic Sea ecosystem are difficult to predict. Different species have a significant impact on each other, which makes it challenging to assess the relationships between the effects.
Sharing knowledge is key for protecting the Baltic Sea
Eolus wants to support a responsible development of offshore wind power in the Baltic Sea region. As a starting point for Eolus’ cooperation with BSAG c Sea Action, the Finnish Offshore Team held a workshop in March 2023, where the potential benefits and impacts of offshore wind projects were identified together with experts from different fields. The results from this and future workshops will be an important part of Eolus’ development of offshore wind power in the Baltic Sea.
Sources:
encyclopediabrittanica.com
