Nordic BioBuz

OX2 at sea at archipelago of Åland

Jessica Hjerpe Olausson

We recognize the potential of offshore wind to serve as a platform for enhancing marine ecosystems and addressing environmental challenges such as eutrophication. By testing materials and methods for their potential as biodiversity-enhancing, including artificial reefs and nature-based solutions, we seek to create additional value for offshore wind developers and operators. 

As offshore wind energy production grows in the Baltic Sea, there is a pressing need to address the conflicts of interest with other marine activities while promoting sustainable practices. By integrating nature-based solutions into offshore wind infrastructure, we can create a win-win scenario that benefits both the environment and the economy, paving the way for a more sustainable blue economy in the Nordic region.

Central to our approach is the development of a biodiversity crediting system tailored to the Baltic Sea region, which will enable the monetization of ecosystem services and provide incentives for sustainable practices. We will validate the biodiversity credits by on site testing outside of the Island of Åland, and then incorporate them into our developed integrated business model for multi-use concepts. We believe that our results can support similar establishments and business models in the Nordic Region as a whole. Through cross-Nordic cooperation and transdisciplinary working methods, we aim to create a model for sustainable development of multi-use offshore platforms that aligns with the Nordic Council of Ministers' vision for 2030.