Offshore wind energy: a strategic ally of nature

The preservation of nature is considered essential for the global economy, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The organization highlights that more than half of the world’s GDP depends directly or indirectly on natural resources representing about US$44 trillion in economic value. This data is part of a series of reports analyzing four strategic sectors, including wind energy, as well as the world’s largest cities.

In the case of offshore wind energy, the WEF points out that the sector is at a decisive point in the transition toward a more biodiversity-positive future. The major challenge lies in rapidly expanding installed capacity while industry players strive to minimize impacts on marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

For the sector to advance in a truly sustainable way, experts recommend a series of strategic actions. These include reducing the impacts caused by materials and operations, encouraging innovation in product design, and providing direct support.

que vai além do investimento financeiro  a iniciativas de restauração da natureza.

Innovations and improvements in the offshore wind sector
More than just promises, the WEF report focused on the offshore wind energy sector presents practical examples of how the industry has been leading with environmental responsibility. Below, three case studies demonstrate concrete progress in this regard:

1. Lifecycle management of offshore wind energy equipment
A notable case is that of Shanghai Electric Wind Power, which adopts a sustainable approach throughout the entire lifecycle of its products. The turbine manufacturer has been seeking solutions to challenges such as recycling and noise pollution by investing in new materials, improving design, and reusing blades to reduce environmental impact.

In November 2023, Shanghai Electric Wind Power entered into a partnership to develop a recyclable resin aimed at the manufacturing of wind turbine blades. The goal is to achieve a material recovery rate of at least 95%, without the need for changes to the original design or production process.

The company is also making progress to ensure that, at the end of the blades’ lifecycle, all materials used can be 100% recyclable, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

2. Artificial reefs and their effects on marine life
Another front of innovation is led by the Danish company Ørsted, a pioneer in offshore wind energy generation in the North Sea. Operating in the Dutch part of the region, the company collaborates with institutions such as the Rich North Sea and Wageningen Marine Research, aiming to better understand the behavior and movement of marine species such as Atlantic cod and European lobster.

To this end, Ørsted allocated four areas around turbines in the Borssele I and II wind farms, where concrete tubes simulating artificial reefs were installed. Between 2021 and 2022, scientists from Wageningen studied the interaction of these species with the structures, assessing how the reefs influence the local ecosystem.

According to the researchers, analyzing the behavior of species that inhabit areas near offshore wind farms can provide deeper insights into their shelter preferences, habitat use, and the ecological development of these environments. The main goal of the project was to expand knowledge about the construction of artificial reefs and the behavior of Atlantic cod and European lobster when interacting with these structures.

The results revealed that cod made extensive use of the artificial reefs, staying for several months, showing strong site fidelity, and frequently using the structures for shelter. Lobsters made more limited use but also relied on the reefs as hiding places. For both species, scientists recommend the use of larger structures with a greater variety of crevices to better support the animals' adaptation.

3. Marine ecosystem restoration
The third notable case comes from Attentive Energy, which is developing an offshore wind energy project in the area near New York. The company has partnered with the Billion Oyster Project — a city initiative focused on restoring the marine ecosystem in New York Harbor.

The collaboration is focused on the restoration of oyster reefs, which are fundamental to the local environmental balance. Historically abundant in the region, oysters act as natural water filters and aid in coastal protection. Each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons (189 liters) of water per day and also forms natural barriers against erosion.

The goal is to restore one billion live oysters in the harbor by 2035, while also promoting community engagement, including students and volunteers, in environmental restoration activities. According to the WEF report, this initiative demonstrates how the integration of renewable energy projects with marine restoration efforts can generate real benefits for nature.

Offshore wind industry must adopt strategies to prevent biodiversity loss
In addition to the offshore wind industry, the WEF report also evaluated other critical sectors: automotive, cement and concrete, chemical, mining and metals, household and personal care products, as well as the port sector. Despite progress on climate goals with 78% of Fortune 500 companies already committed only 12% have set targets aimed at halting or reversing biodiversity loss.

The situation is also concerning in cities: among the 500 most populous in the world, only 37% have clear strategies for sustainably managing and protecting nature.