| dc.description.abstract | The world's energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In this context, renewable energy sources have become increasingly important to ensure a sustainable future. Among these sources, offshore wind stands out as a key component due to its significant potential to deliver clean and reliable energy. However, there is uncertainty regarding how offshore wind farms will impact other sectors operating in marine areas, such as the fishing industry. This study examines the transdisciplinary challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of offshore wind, with a focus on Equinor's Hywind Tampen offshore wind project and its interaction with the fishing industry. Through reflexive thematic analysis and results from a literature review, several key themes emerge related to stakeholders' perceptions, the impact on the fishing industry, and transdisciplinary challenges.
The findings reveal significant communication challenges and power imbalances among stakeholders, particularly between the fishing and offshore wind power industries. This highlights the need for deeper dialogue and more participatory and inclusive engagement strategies. Despite concerns about the loss of fishing grounds, there are potential benefits, such as creating artificial reefs, emphasising the complexity of the interaction between offshore wind power and the fishing industry.
Transdisciplinary challenges, and by this, I mean the challenges related to the collaboration of different stakeholders across disciplines and sectors, are evident, including power imbalances and communication breakdowns, which can create important challenges, tensions, and conflicts in collaboration. However, collaborative initiatives like the "Dreiebok" offer promising opportunities to address these challenges and promote cooperation among stakeholders.
In conclusion, sustainable offshore wind development requires holistic approaches prioritising stakeholder engagement and collaboration. This thesis contributes to advancing knowledge in this area and lays the groundwork for further research towards a more sustainable energy future. | |