Many North Sea energy transition initiatives have an impact on the environment and ecology. To create the roadmap ‘Towards an integrated North Sea Energy system 2050’, it is essential to have an overview of existing and also unknown information. This includes information on the habitats of animal species and soil types. Choices also have to be made about existing installations in the North Sea. The options are re-use and decommissioning. Abandonment is also an option if decommissioning would have a negative ecological impact.

Mapping existing knowledge about ecology and the environment and researching the ecological value of existing offshore constructions. An assessment of the carbon footprint of offshore constructions (such as platforms, energy islands) is also conducted.

• Gathering and interpreting ecological information to support the energy hubs in the North Sea
• Adding this information to the Energy Atlas
• Assessment of the ecological value of existing offshore structures
• Investigation into the ecological footprint of offshore structures, including that of the possible decommissioning phase