Assessing environmental impacts of offshore wind farms: Lessons learned and recommendations for the future

Abstract

The worldwide shift towards sustainable energy resources has spurred a notable uptick in the establishment of deep-sea offshore wind farms. Offshore wind power emerges as a hopeful remedy to combat climate change and decrease the reliance on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the establishment, functioning, and decommissioning of these offshore wind farms carry the possibility of causing adverse environmental consequences. This research undertakes a thorough evaluation of the environmental consequences of offshore wind farms located in deep waters, intending to assess their potential impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife, seafloor habitats, and coastal communities through an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The findings from this assessment provide valuable insights for sustainable offshore wind farm development, emphasizing responsible planning and environmental stewardship to achieve a balance between renewable energy generation and environmental conservation.