Back in 2020, Denmark announced plans for two energy islands in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. These large energy hubs are expected to generate, process and distribute offshore wind energy to Denmark, Germany and other countries, such as the UK. But the projects have faced a number of setbacks that slowed their implementation. In this episode, we discuss the current status, governance challenges, and a way forward for these two energy islands. Guests: Sun Dyremose is a Pos

Marine plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the Mediterranean: it's complex, persistent, and deeply intertwined with activities on land and at sea. In this episode, experts Shannon Mclaughlin and Antoine Lafitte discuss The current status of marine plastic pollution in the Med Policy and governance measures introduced to tackle the problem, including agri-plastics How digital tools can help us better see, understand, and act on marine plas

In the UK jurisdiction, construction of the first floating offshore wind farm has begun. However, the processes has faced several governance challenges that may slow implementation. In parallel, Ireland plans to develop its own pipeline of offshore wind projects to achieve national targets of 37 GW capacity of offshore renewable energy by 2050. This will be quite a leap for a country that, despite being an island, has just one offshore wind farm at present. Three distinguis

Achieving EU’s goal of shifting freight to inland waterways and short-sea shipping is critical for reducing road transport emissions and decarbonising the maritime value chain. However, this transition is hindered by institutional barriers. Drawing on interviews with North Adriatic port representatives and validation by maritime logistics scholars from Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia, and a workshop with actors from across the whole supply chain, PERMAGOV identified weak actor c

Improving co-existence between offshore wind energy and nature in Norway. Norway has established policy goals that are consistent with the objectives and aspirations of the European Green Deal regarding decarbonization and environmental sustainability. Offshore wind is seen as an important source of renewable energy that should play an essential role in the country's transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. However, offshore wind competes for the ocean space with other ma

Protecting the Baltic Sea: Reducing seabed pressures and 'ghost gear' with new governance strategies The Baltic Sea is the youngest but one of the most intensely used seas on the planet. Pressures on the Baltic Sea have increased over the years, largely driven by human activities on land and at sea. Seabed habitats and marine life are endangered by seabed disturbance, pollution and ghost nets, aka Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG). New governance st