Strategies for an Environmentally Sound Development of Offshore Wind Energy

The aim of the dissertation "Strategies for an Environmentally Sound Development of Offshore Wind Energ" is to Analyse Germany's path to an environmentally friendly development of offshore wind energy and to show the state of knowledge regarding ecological impacts of offshore wind farms. It will develop proposals for reforms and incorporate the international developments of the research. In addition to a literature search and monitoring of ongoing research and monitoring, the methodology draws on a case study analysis of already approved offshore wind farms, an international comparison and expert interviews. The dissertation has been produced cumulatively with a total of six publications. These cover the environmental assessment of offshore development, an international comparison of noise mitigation measures of offshore drilling, the environmental assessment of offshore grid connections, possibilities for marine compensation measures, the state of knowledge on ecological effects of offshore wind energy and reform proposals for improved environmental assessment, mitigation and compensation measures. Main results of the PhD are proposals for environmentally Sound development of offshore wind energy. Therefore consistent and international standards for environmental impact assessments of offshore wind energy are necessary. It is recommended to focus on the negative impacts that are relevant for the approval procedure (e.g. habitat loss for bird species or the noise effects on Harbour porpoises). Further recommendations relate to changes in spatial planning in the exclusive economic zone and technical mitigation measures against underwater noise. Last but not least, the development and the application of marine compensation measures are suggested.