Abstract
This document provides an update of the 2011 Commission guidance on wind energy and Natura 2000, as planned in the action plan for nature, people and the economy1 . An update of the guidance was considered necessary as EU policy and legislation on renewable energy and wind energy technology (especially at sea) has developed greatly since the guidance was first issued. In step with these developments, knowledge on the impacts of wind energy on biodiversity as well as good practice for addressing these impacts has also expanded significantly. In view of further drastic expansion of wind energy in the context of tackling climate change on the one hand and growing pressures on biodiversity on the other hand, guidance based on most recent insights and good practices on reconciling the respective policy goals and targets is essential.
The scope of this document covers:
- the site protection provisions under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive; as a consequence, the guidance addresses all habitats and species which qualify for designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e.
- habitats of Community interest listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive;
- species of Community interest listed in Annex II;
- wild birds listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive;
- regularly occurring migratory wild bird species not listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive;
- the species protection provisions under Articles 12 and 13 of the Habitats Directive and the corresponding provisions of Article 5 of the Birds Directive. These apply both to the strictly protected species under Annex IV to the Habitats Directive and to all wild bird species covered by the Birds Directive.