Comparative analysis of Maritime Spatial Planning ... - Seanergy 2020

equires a high number of licenses but clear and coordinated procedures provided a one-stop shop for theprocess as a whole. For the project proposer there are clear advantages in the simplification of a one-stopshop.In terms of maritime basins the countries of the North Sea, where most of the existing offshore installedcapacity is currently located, generally have well developed permitting systems. Perhaps a little surprisinglythe Atlantic coasts, given the wind climate, seem poorly served at the moment with respect to planning forO-RE although France has recently taken important steps. The poor development of the Mediterranean Seabasin may partly reflect relatively fewer opportunities with existing technologies given the nature of thedeep basins but also the rather anomalous legal position given the lack of EEZs. This, in itself, leads tomore potential conflict with other users such as fisheries as discussed above.Germany is a rather unusual case with the responsibilities split in the maritime zones between Federal andRegional authorities. In addition, or possibly because of this, the WindBarriers project shows that Germanyneeds a rather longer than average time to complete the whole process. Nevertheless the permittingprocess in Germany definitely accelerated with the introduction of MSP in 2009 showing the synergy therecan be between MSP and the Offshore Renewable sector.It may also be significant that in terms of installed capacity the leading countries generally have the mosttransparent and coordinated systems. This is possibly due to learning from experience and the pressure foreconomic development of the sector. This in turn is generated by political will and a determined planningpolicy which remains the greatest driver.Clearly there are cases where MSP is synergistic with O-RE development but probably the policycommitment is the greater element. For example, the key to the British system, which has overseen thegreatest installed capacity of any Member State, is a mixture of pragmatism, as has been discussed, andalso a perception that the planning agencies themselves are favourably disposed towards offshore windfarm proposals again emphasising the importance of commitment. The UK does not favour a binding MSPapproach but nevertheless does have a „criteria based‟ planning system suggesting that maritime planningas such, remains important.Ultimately, best practice in the permitting process should include a legal framework for issuing licencesand permits which is clear and efficient, but most importantly the institutional set-up, includingjurisdictions and cooperation/coordination mechanisms should be designed in a way to allow for a finaldecision covering all aspects of a permit in a comprehensive, coherent, consistent and cost/effectivemanner.4.2 RecommendationsBased on the previous analysis the following policy recommendations emerge:Permitting should be conditional on a full and satisfactory environmental appraisal or EIA;Deliverable 2.327 | P a g e