Offshore wind is positioned as the renewable energy source of the future in Norway and globally. Offshore wind is considered an important part of the solution to the climate crisis, energy security and as a catalyst for economic growth. Moreover, the notion that offshore wind is «out of sight and out of mind» suggests that it will not create conflicts on land. However, if the offshore wind venture is to be successful, we must understand what challenges and opportunities it creates in the affected coastal regions.
Local protests are growing in coastal municipalities in Agder positioned as key region for the Norwegian offshore wind development. Offshore wind is very land-intensive, and this puts pressure on land management, natural values, democratic procedures and economic distribution. International experience shows that offshore wind can be just as challenging as onshore wind, but there is a lack of knowledge about how offshore wind affects coastal communities.
WINDREG explores how offshore wind affects land-based natural values, spatial planning, socio-economic development, management and planning across several levels of government. Using the Agder region as a case, we focus on the development of more energy-just tools and management models that can ensure comprehensive environmental and social planning on land. We focus on which groups’ values, interests and knowledge are being heard in offshore wind development, in which ways public participation and transparency in decision-making processes are ensured and how economic disadvantages and benefits from offshore wind are being distributed fairly.
WINDREG co-creates interdisciplinary scientific knowledge in collaboration with a wide range of relevant partners and using learning cases from Great Britain and Denmark. Utsira functions as a national learning case. The project develops policy recommendations for improved policy, planning and governance measures for energy justice in regional transition processes.