IRENA | Enabling Frameworks for Offshore Wind Scale Up – Innovations in Permitting

IRENA  |  Enabling Frameworks for Offshore Wind Scale Up – Innovations in Permitting 

A groundbreaking study, outcome from IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Ocean Energy and Offshore Renewables, on the pivotal role of offshore wind in achieving our global climate goals:

As we work towards the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact, it's imperative to highlight the need for nearly 500 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 2,465 GW by 2050. Offshore wind is a cornerstone in our transition to a sustainable future.

A critical step in this journey is the permitting process. The report explores three models: centralised, decentralised, and hybrid.

The permitting process encompasses marine spatial planning, environmental and social impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, and approvals.

Informed by direct input from governments via IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Ocean Energy and Offshore Renewables, we have drawn from international best practices to offer recommendations that can enhance predictability and efficiency in permitting procedures.

8 concrete recommendations:

1.      Establishing dedicated central authorities to streamline the permitting process.
2.      Promoting active dialogue between local authorities, communities, and industry.
3.      Mandating maximum lead times in the permitting process.
4.      Enhancing personnel capacity.
5.      Digitizing databases for project siting and land registration.
6.      Aligning land and ocean-use guidance.
7.      Implementing a clearing house mechanism for legal disputes.
8.      Accelerating critical energy infrastructure deployment, both offshore and onshore.

Offshore Wind and Hydrogen