Offshore Wind Opponents in Australia and Europe Seek Guidance from US Groups

Global Movement Against Offshore Wind Farms Grows

By Nichola Groom and Lewis Jackson

LOS ANGELES/SYDNEY – Bill Thompson, director of the activist group Green Oceans, has transitioned from local opposition to offshore wind farms in Rhode Island to becoming part of an international movement. A recent email from a partner organization in Australia seeking assistance highlighted this shift; the group, called Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter), aimed to address offshore wind developments off Australia’s southeastern coast. Thompson also received a request for advice from a French organization, PIEBIEM, fighting similar projects in Brittany.

"It’s encouraging to recognize that we share these concerns with others worldwide," Thompson stated.

These organizations are creating a network of local activist groups across the U.S., Europe, and Australia, collaborating to develop strategies, share resources, and amplify their cause against offshore wind projects, which they perceive as harmful. Many activists believe that governments and wind developers are downplaying the potential environmental devastation associated with these projects while marketing them as essential for combating climate change.

Activists often look to successful campaigns on the U.S. East Coast for guidance, where longstanding efforts have effectively reduced the scale of major initiatives and waned public enthusiasm for offshore wind, even gaining support from conservative politicians. Offshore wind energy is a crucial element of President Biden’s climate action plan, but ambitious proposals to build wind farms along U.S. coastlines face obstacles such as escalating costs, supply chain issues, and legal challenges stemming from concerns related to tourism, property values, and marine ecosystems.

Collaborative efforts among these groups pose a significant hurdle for the offshore wind industry, allowing emerging opposition movements to leverage the experience and tactics of established organizations. This collaboration can even promote potent, sometimes misleading narratives about the supposed threats posed by wind turbines, such as their impact on endangered whales and climate change.

"This is a considerable issue, and I don’t believe the industry fully comprehends either the current situation or how to address it," commented Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council.

Opposition groups express their intent to further mobilize. Eric Sartori, secretary of PIEBIEM, noted aspirations for joint declarations and enhanced media presence to raise public awareness about their concerns.

A West Coast activist group recently announced plans to establish a national anti-offshore wind coalition. Additionally, conversations have begun among various organizations about forming a global alliance as countries seek to expand their offshore wind capabilities, aiming to catch up with leaders like China, the UK, and Germany.

Sartori became connected with other activists after observing alarming images of broken wind turbine blades on social media. Thompson from Green Oceans provided evidence that offshore wind projects may not contribute to climate benefits, citing a U.S. government agency’s statement, which has since been publicized by PIEBIEM.

While some critics voice skepticism about the reliability of wind turbines in severe weather or express concerns regarding obstructed coastal views, the most alarming claim circulating globally is the assertion that offshore wind farms endanger whales. This narrative gained momentum in early 2023 following rising whale fatalities in the U.S., prompting backlash against the industry. The government countered that human-related whale deaths are primarily caused by ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement.

In response to these challenges, a clean energy advocacy group is actively working to counteract misinformation by promoting the economic and energy independence benefits of offshore wind. They emphasize the importance of building public trust amidst misinformation.

Green Oceans has engaged scientists to bolster their arguments, collaborating with marine biologist Josep Lloret and hosting skeptics of renewable energy transitions. Their research-based approach assists similar groups in validating their claims.

Opposition to offshore wind has evolved into a significant political issue, notably in New Jersey, where support for offshore projects has plummeted, contrasting sharply with previous years. Former President Trump, who once championed offshore wind, has now pledged to halt these projects if he returns to office.

In Australia, opposition has grown significantly, with an increasing number of citizens expressing their discontent. Meanwhile, in France, a Senate committee’s recent recommendations to reduce offshore wind targets reflect similar sentiments, citing both cost and technological feasibility.

Despite these victories, opposition groups face accusations of aligning with right-wing interests linked to fossil fuels, although many activists disavow such affiliations, affirming that their efforts are motivated by environmental concerns rather than partisan agendas.