The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) released a landmark report aimed at addressing a major threat to marine species: noise pollution. Noise pollution is known to cause significant disturbance to marine wildlife, including migratory species protected under CMS such as whales and dolphins (and their prey). Such impacts can […]
The world’s largest multi-use electricity power line will be built under the North Sea. The new LionLink will connect the UK and the Netherlands with offshore wind farms, the UK and Dutch governments have announced. The cross-border electricity line will be only the second of its kind in the world, with the first […]
Cod larvae are attracted by the noise from offshore wind turbines, a new peer-reviewed study has found. When offshore wind turbines are operating, they create a constant, low-frequency underwater noise that spreads out from a wind farm. “We already know that fish and other sea creatures are sensitive to sounds, and that some species react to […]
Leaders and ministers from nine European countries signed a declaration in Belgium on 24 April 2023 to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind power in the North Sea. The joint goal is to more than quadruple current production to 120 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and to at least 300 GM by 2050. Irish Taoiseach Leo […]
In February 2023, the UK government asked the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to undertake a study on the infrastructure planning system and the role of National Policy Statements. A new report sets out the Commission’s recommendations on how to improve the consenting process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project planning […]
The world’s deepest offshore wind turbine has been installed almost 17 miles off the coast as part of Scotland’s biggest offshore windfarm. The Scottish energy company SSE installed the 2,000-tonne turbine foundation at a depth of more than 58 metres (192ft) in the early hours of Easter Sunday as part of the £3bn Seagreen offshore windfarm. […]
Offshore wind farms in the North Sea reduce the population of loons –fish-eating aquatic birds also known as divers – by 94% within a one-kilometre zone, according to new research published in Scientific Reports. The findings highlight the need to minimise the impact of offshore wind farms on seabirds, while balancing this effort with the demand […]
Crown Estate Scotland has announced the results of the world’s first leasing round designed to enable offshore wind energy to directly supply offshore oil and gas platforms. The INTOG (Innovation and Targeted Oil & Gas) leasing process allowed developers to apply for seabed rights to develop offshore wind projects that either reduce emissions from the […]