Environmental impact“With our 325,2 MW offshore wind farm, we contribute to delivering a cleaner and safer environment to our children and grandchildren”, says CEO Jaak Rutten.
Global environmental impactCompared to the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, the environmental impact of wind power is very positive. Wind power consumes no fuel, and emits no air pollution. Wind power does not generate any toxic waste nor does it constitute a major safety risk. Based on the EU average of CO2 emission for coal, gas and oil generation, C-Power will, with its expected yearly production of 1 TWh, avoid every year 696.000 ton CO2.
 Impact on the marine environment in the North Sea
As a clean tech company, C-Power aims at constructing and operating an offshore wind farm in the most environmentally friendly way. As early as 2003, C-Power has performed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR). In this report, independent marine scientists have studied the impact of C-Power’s offshore wind farm on sea birds, sea mammals, fish and benthic organisms and analysed possible safety risks and the visual impact from the seashore. Based on this report, MUMM, the federal authority in charge of scientific research in the North Sea, has made a substantial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project. The conclusion of both the EIR and EIA were that the impact of the project on the marine environment was minor and thus acceptable. The EIR and the EIA including annexes are available on:
Following a number of minor project changes (gravity foundations, jacket foundations, extension concession area, ...), C-Power ordered an update of the EIA in 2005 and 2009. The final conclusion was that the impact of the project changes on the marine environment remained negligible.
Monitoring marine environmentAs of 2008 C-Power participates in a 5 year marine environment monitoring program. The purpose of this monitoring program is to compare the expected environmental effects of the wind farm with the empirically observed impacts in and around the Thornton Bank,
The monitoring is carried out by scientists of the MUMM or by third parties (university, specialised consultants,..). The results of the marine environment monitoring are published on a yearly basis and available on the website of the MUMM. Read more:
    In 2013, a workshop presenting the results of the 5 year marine environment monitoring program will be organised by C-Power, in collaboration with the MUMM. All stakeholders will be invited to participate in this workshop. “Energy from wind power is clean and renewable, and if there is one overwhelming threat to wildlife and conservation, it is global warming."
Nick Shelton, RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
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