A three-step approach for co-locating nature-based solutions within offshore wind farms

The extent of seabed licensed for offshore renewables is being expanded with the global requirement to reduce carbon emissions. The opportunity for Nature-based Solutions for restoration, conservation, mariculture, infrastructure protection, and carbon sequestration initiatives are being explored internationally. Co-location of marine renewable or structures with conservation initiatives offers the opportunity to support populations of threatened species and contribute to wider ecosystem services and benefits. Building on experience from a North Sea project, we explore the feasibility to co-locate bivalve species at offshore wind farms. We present a three-step approach to identify offshore wind farm sites with the potential to co-locate with compatible species within a marine licensed area, based on environmental and physical conditions and biological tolerances. These steps are, (1) information collection and data synthesis, (2) data analysis through site suitability and species compatibility assessments, and (3) numerical modelling approaches to test the feasibility of pilot studies and scale-up planned operations. This approach supports feasibility assessment by identification of sites where Nature-based Solution project success is more likely or certain, thereby reducing project costs and risk of failure. An example case study is provided using Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm (southeast England) and the restoration and conservation of the commercially valuable European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis).

Automated summary

The expansion of seabed licensed for offshore renewables is driven by the global need to reduce carbon emissions. There is an international exploration of Nature-based Solutions for various initiatives such as restoration, conservation, mariculture, infrastructure protection, and carbon sequestration. Co-locating marine renewable structures with conservation initiatives offers the opportunity to support threatened species and provide wider ecosystem services. A three-step approach is presented to identify offshore wind farm sites suitable for co-location with compatible species, based on environmental conditions, species compatibility, and numerical modeling. This approach reduces project costs and failure risks by identifying feasible sites for Nature-based Solution projects. A case study is provided to demonstrate the restoration and conservation of European Flat Oyster at Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm in southeast England.