The proliferation of wind power projects worldwide has introduced some interesting debates between defenders and detractors. Offshore wind power is now industrialising the sea at unprecedented speeds and on an unprecedented scale, bringing even more pressure to bear on the natural environment. 

However, the structures can also throw up new opportunities for specific habitats and species, particularly in combination with smart governance. This talk gives us a brief overview of developments in the North Sea, and we move into the wider debate on the risks and benefits of offshore wind energy.