Environmental impact, damage to fishing and sustainability of offshore wind farms — the case of offshore wind megapark off the Aegadian Islands.
23.2.2021
Priority question for written answer P-001074/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Ignazio Corrao (Verts/ALE), Piernicola Pedicini (Verts/ALE), Rosa D'Amato (Verts/ALE)
In November 2020, RENEXIA applied for a state maritime concession for the installation of an off-shore wind megapark with a total surface area of 18 million m2 and 190 turbines, 27 km from the Aegadian Islands. It would be the largest in Europe.
The impact on the environment would be devastating because it could affect the balance of aquatic species — such as large cetaceans — in a strategic area that is among the most important in the world for the migration of millions of birds, as pointed out by WWF.
Being in the direct vicinity of very rich fishing grounds — the Talbot and Skerki banks — it would deprive the already crisis-stricken Sicilian fleet of a vast area of sea. In addition, it could cause significant diversion of shipping involving thousands of vessels, concentrating it in a very narrow area, with the risk of accidents, spills and irreversible damage.
Finally, the energy produced would not be used to decarbonise the Aegadian Islands and Sicily, but would be transferred to Campania via a power cable.
In light of the above, we should be grateful if the Commission would answer the following:
- 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the project in view of the potential damage and of the absence of benefits for the populations which would have to suffer its impact?
- 2.How does it intend to ensure the sustainability of offshore wind farms that are becoming more wide-spread in Europe?
- 3.How does it intend to ensure appropriate compensation for local communities?