Developing Offshore Wind Farms – A Comparison and Analysis of the Legal and Governance Frameworks of the North Sea Coastal States

With high offshore wind ambitions, the North Sea coastal states have each followed a different path in the development of the legal framework for offshore wind development. This article compares the legal frameworks of the coastal states on three main issues: the location choice, including selection of developers; the permitting procedures, and the connection of the owf s. The analysis shows legislative and governance convergence across the North Sea, but also a few instances where different choices are made. The consequences of the choices are discussed and analysed, with recommendations for other coastal states wishing to develop an offshore wind regulatory framework.