Multi-Use in the South Baltic: Exploring Opportunities on Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore development is reshaping the way we use marine space, creating both challenges and opportunities for sustainability. A smart approach to space allocation is needed to balance competing demands while minimizing environmental impact. One innovative solution is the Multi-Use concept, which promotes the efficient combination of complementary activities—such as offshore wind energy, aquaculture, and marine restoration—within the same geographic area, maximizing both economic and ecological benefits. 

This workshop will explore the concept of multi-use of Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs), focusing on active synergies between offshore energy production, aquaculture, marine biodiversity restoration and other uses of marine space. The session will highlight innovative approaches, lessons learned from ongoing projects and the potential for implementing multi-use solutions in the South Baltic region. The discussion will emphasize practical steps for policymakers, industry and researchers to support the integration of multi-use concepts into marine planning and management/governance. 

The workshop is aligned with: 

• EU Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy – Promoting the efficient use of marine space while ensuring environmental sustainability. 

• Mission Ocean & Waters Initiative – Supporting innovative multi-use solutions in offshore wind farms, particularly through projects like ULTFARMS 

• Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSP Directive) – Supporting a more integrated and sustainable approach to planning activities at sea.