An international study led by De Rijke Noordzee and the Dutch Institute for Research of the Sea (NIOZ) shows that dedicating just 1% of global offshore wind investments up to 2050 would be sufficient to restore millions of hectares of marine nature.
Offshore wind farms not only contribute to the energy transition but can also play a key role in restoring vulnerable ecosystems such as seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, coral reefs, and coastal wetlands. These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, fish stocks, and climate resilience.
The researchers calculated that allocating even a small percentage of total offshore wind investments would be enough to restore these ecosystems on a global scale. This would not only result in healthier seas and coasts but also provide benefits such as carbon storage, coastal protection, and stronger fisheries.
The authors argue that nature restoration should be structurally integrated into the permitting and tendering processes of offshore wind projects. By embedding biodiversity requirements in advance, the offshore wind sector could become the first marine industry to make a net-positive contribution to large-scale ecosystem restoration.
The Netherlands is already taking a leading role: in several tendering procedures, criteria that stimulate nature enhancement are being applied. Denmark and the United Kingdom also have systems to include biodiversity requirements.
This research confirms that offshore wind can not only deliver clean energy but also contribute to the restoration of marine life. It highlights the importance of innovation, collaboration, and nature-inclusive design, themes that are central to our mission.
The full article is available via NIOZ:
👉 1% of offshore wind investments could restore millions of hectares of marine life
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