IROE researchers contribute to workshop on offshore wind, nature and aquaculture coexistence in Copenhagen

IROE researchers joined international experts in Copenhagen to explore how offshore wind development can coexist with marine ecosystems and sustainable aquaculture.

IROE research fellow Dr Hugo Putuhena and IROE PhD student Cedric Muscat participated in the workshop “Conference on the Coexistence of Offshore Wind, Nature and Low Trophic Aquaculture”, held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Hosted by Tænketanken Hav (The Ocean Institute – Denmark) and supported by the Velux Foundation , the workshop brought together researchers, industry representatives and policymakers to discuss how offshore renewable energy can be integrated with other marine activities while supporting healthy marine ecosystems. The workshop was particularly relevant to ongoing IROE research, following Dr Putuhena's recent award of major Velux Foundation grant to develop decision support tools for spatial planning and cumulative effects assessment of offshore wind in the Greater North Sea Basin.

The workshop explored approaches for balancing offshore wind development with marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture. Discussions focused on the co-production of renewable energy alongside shellfish and seaweed cultivation, multi-use marine planning, environmental and economic sustainability, and the challenges associated with sharing increasingly busy marine spaces. Participants heard from researchers involved in the OLAMUR , WIN@sea and ULTAFARMS projects, alongside representatives from DTU Aqua , Aarhus University , Vattenfall and the University of Copenhagen .

The afternoon session examined the coexistence of offshore wind and nature, bringing together organisations working on marine conservation, offshore renewable energy and marine infrastructure. Participants discussed barriers to implementation and identified opportunities to improve collaboration between industry, policymakers and researchers in support of sustainable ocean management.

The workshop provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking with stakeholders working across offshore renewable energy, marine conservation and the wider blue economy. Participation in events such as this supports IROE's ongoing research into offshore renewable energy development and contributes to wider discussions on how future offshore infrastructure can coexist with other marine users and environmental objectives.