Harnessing Offshore Wind for Sustainable Economic Growth in Nordic Countries: Legal Innovations, Economic Opportunities, SDG and Policy Integration

Authors

  • Junaid Butt Advocate High Court, Member AJK BAR COUNCIL,  2nd Floor Old Courts Plaza, Muzafarabad, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0530-962X
  • Farzana Kousar Islamic University

Keywords:

Renewable Energy (RE), SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, Environmental Regulations, Blue Economy, Job Creation, Social Impact Assessments

Abstract

Offshore wind energy refers to the generation of electricity from wind turbines installed in bodies of water, typically seas or oceans. Sustainable economic growth refers to a mode of economic development that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This research investigates the potential of offshore wind energy to drive sustainable economic growth in the Nordic countries. Framed within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, the study explores the interplay between renewable energy development and economic prosperity. The research examines innovative legal measures that can facilitate the development of the offshore wind industry in the Nordic region. This includes analyzing streamlining permitting processes, fostering public-private partnerships, and establishing frameworks for grid integration. By investigating the nexus of legal innovations, economic opportunities, and policy integration, this study aims to provide insights into how the renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind, can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while fostering economic prosperity. Finally, the research emphasizes the importance of policy integration for maximizing the benefits of offshore wind development. It analyzes how national and regional policies can be harmonized to create a supportive environment for the industry. This includes considering environmental regulations, spatial planning, and social impact assessments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research examines the economic and legal measures necessary to optimize the benefits of offshore wind projects, including job creation, investment attraction, and regional development. By analyzing successful case studies and policy frameworks, this study seeks to offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to navigate the complex landscape of offshore wind development and ensure its alignment with sustainable economic objectives in the Nordic region.

Author Biography

Junaid Butt, Advocate High Court, Member AJK BAR COUNCIL,  2nd Floor Old Courts Plaza, Muzafarabad, Azad Kashmir, PAKISTAN

Junaid Sattar Butt possesses a distinguished academic background, including a Master of Laws (LL.M) with honors from the University of Lahore, specializing in International & Comparative Laws and Research Methodology. He also holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the same institution, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles. Mr. Butt’s educational journey extends to a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from the Virtual University of Pakistan, enhancing his expertise in financial matters. Proficient in English, Urdu and Punjabi, Butt has developed essential communication and organizational skills throughout his academic and professional endeavors. In terms of professional experience, Mr. Butt has over four years of practical experience as an Advocate at the High Court and District Courts, where he has honed his skills in legal research, court assistance, settlements, and arbitration. He has also served as a Visiting Teaching Faculty member, imparting knowledge on International Laws, Administrative Laws, and Human Rights. Additionally, his role as a Law / Research Officer at Malik Law Associates has further solidified his proficiency in legal research and case preparation. Butt's research profile demonstrates his dedication to exploring contemporary legal issues. His publications cover diverse topics such as the impact of digitalization on administrative decision-making processes, comparative studies on international relations, human rights protection, and political instability. He actively participates in conferences, seminars, and workshops, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Butt's involvement in legal advocacy and community engagement initiatives, as evidenced by his memberships in various bar associations and committees, reflects his dedication to advancing justice and social welfare. With his strong academic background, extensive professional experience, and commitment to legal scholarship and advocacy, Junaid Sattar Butt is well-equipped to pursue doctoral research in the field of law and governance, contributing significantly to the advancement of legal knowledge and practice.

References

*** (2024). Nordic Day 2024 - current economic state of the Nordics. Retrieved from Nordic Statistics: https://www.nordicstatistics.org/news/nordic-day-2024-current-economic-state-of-the-nordics/.

Awogbemi, O. & Von Kallon, D. V. (2023). Towards the development of underutilized renewable energy resources in achieving carbon neutrality. Fuel Communications, 17.

Barquet, K.; Sjöberg, M.; Vieira Passos, M.; Gunnäs, A.; Piseddu, T. & Leander, E. (2023). Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy in Sweden. SEI Report. Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute.

Bolton, R.; Crossley, R.; Fowler, A.; Schwarz-Schampera, U. & Njue, L. (2024). Offshore geothermal: A green energy resource of global significance and its responsible development. White Paper, pp. 1-8.

Butt, J. (2024). From Concept to Practice: Innovations Driving Sustainable Economic Development. 19th International Conference on European Integration - Realities and Perspectives. Galati: Danubius University.

Butt, J. & Kousar, F. (2023). The Effectiveness of Impact-Based Regulation in Achieving Environmental Goals. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Juridica, 19(2), pp. 150–163.

Cacco, C. & Usman, S. M. (2024, April 21). Role of wind energy in sustainable development. Retrieved from: Stratheia: https://stratheia.com/role-of-wind-energy-in-sustainable-development/.

Cornander, I.; Emilson, M.; Meyer zum Felde, A.; Pedersen, M.; Stepke-Müller, M. & Ternhult, M. (27 August, 2023). Nordic Circular Economy: A Pathway to Sustainable Growth and Resilience. Retrieved from BCG: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/nordic-circular-economy-pathway-growth-resilience

Damsgaard, M. G. (2023). Urgent cooperation needed on offshore wind power if Nordics are to be leaders. Retrieved from Nordic Co-operation: https://www.norden.org/en/news/urgent-co-operation-needed-offshore-wind-power-if-nordics-are-be-leaders.

Dilanchiev, A.; Sharif, A.; Ayad, H. & Nuta, A. C. (2024). The interaction between remittance, FDI, renewable energy, and environmental quality: a panel data analysis for the top remittance-receiving countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, pp. 1-15.

Finance, B. (2024, February 29). Nordic nations’ Global Soft Power continues to benefit from sustainability metrics. Retrieved from Brand Finance: https://brandfinance.com/press-releases/nordic-nations-global-soft-power-continues-to-benefit-from-sustainability-metrics

Fletcher, R. (2024). Insights from Sweden’s number one seaweed farm. The Fish Site.

Hasselström, L.; Thomas, J.-B.; Nordström, J.; Cervin, G.; Nylund, G. M.; Pavia, H. & Gröndahl, F. (2020). Socioeconomic prospects of a seaweed bioeconomy in Sweden. Nature Scientific Reports.

Hurtado Sandoval, A. (2015). Wind Energy Development in Mexico - A case study of the potential for local socio-economic benefits in Mareña. Lund: The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics.

Islam, S. S. (2024). Diversity Is the Secret to the Nordic Nation’s Successful Development. Retrieved from Fair Observer: https://www.fairobserver.com/world-news/diversity-is-the-secret-to-the-nordic-nations-successful-development/#

Känzig, D. R. & Konradt, M. (2023). Climate Policy And The Economy: Evidence From Europe’s Carbon Pricing Initiatives. NBER Working Paper Series.

Liew, M. K.; Särav, S.; Pong, O. K.; Tarriela, J. T.; Trisnohadi, B.; Lyster, C. H. & Lyster, Osman. (25 April, 2024). Harnessing the Breeze: Rise of Offshore Wind Energy. Retrieved from Maritime News, Philippines, Shipping: https://www.maritimefairtrade.org/harnessing-the-breeze-rise-of-offshore-wind-energy/.

McKinsey. (2023). How the Nordics can become the “Silicon Valley” of sustainability. Retrieved from McKinsey & Company: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/lifting-europes-ambition/videos-and-podcasts/how-the-nordics-can-become-the-silicon-valley-of-sustainability.

Ministers, N. C. (2023). Is economic growth compatible with a sustainable future? Conference on Decoupling in the Nordics. Retrieved from https://www.norden.org/en/publication/economic-growth-compatible-sustainable-future.

Nasiri, H. (2024). Offshore Wind Turbines: A Renewable Energy Frontier. The 8th International Congress on Development of Technological Infrastructure in Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban of Iran, pp. 1-10. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380487638_Offshore_Wind_Turbines_A_Renewable_Energy_Frontier.

Nuta, A. C.; Cristea, D.; Vasile, A.; Nuta, F. M.; Petrea, S. M.; Tiron, T. A. & Chivu, L. (2024). Exploring the causal relationship between PM 2.5 air pollution and urban areas economic welfare and social-wellbeing: Evidence form 15 European capitals European capitals, food prices, land prices, urban pollution, urban traffic. Sustainable Development, pp. 1-26.

Nuta, F. M.; Nuta, A. C.; Ahmed, F.; Duan, H. & Khan, I. (2024). Editorial: Exploring new development patterns for climate change resilience and mitigation. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 12.

Raza, A.; Ali, M.; Tursoy, T.; Seraj, M. & Habeeb, Y. O. (2024). Evaluating the Scandinavian economy’s transition to a sustainable environment: Fresh evidence from newly developed CS-ARDL approach. Resources Policy.

Sandoval, A. H. (2015). Wind Energy Development in Mexico A case study of the potential for local socio-economic benefits in Mareña. Lund: Lund University.

Skalstad Ellensen, S. (2024). Offshore wind development and regulation in Norway. DLA Piper.

Sweden, F. F. (2021). Bio-strategy summary. Fossil Free Sweden.

Treaty, T. H. (1962). Treaty of Co-operation between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (the Helsinki Treaty). Retrieved from Nordic Co-operation: https://www.norden.org/en/information/helsinki-treaty.

UNAA. (2023, October 16). National Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals – The Nordic Countries. Retrieved from United Nations Association of Australia: https://www.unaa.org.au/2023/10/16/implementation-of-the-sdg-goals-the-nordic-countries/.

Velenturf, A.; Emery, A.; Hodgson, D.; Barlow, N.; Mohtaj Khorasani, A. M.; Van Alstine, J. & Thorp, M. (2021). Geoscience Solutions for Sustainable Offshore Wind Development. Earth Science, Systems and Society.

Wendt, R. (2023). Offshore Wind Energy in the North Atlantic. In U. Þorvaldsdóttir, K. Mortensen, A. Bratli, & M. Quinn. Offshore Wind Energy in the North Atlantic.

Wolff, F.; Teebken, J. & Jacob, K. (2022). Towards a joint implementation of the 2030 Agenda / SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. Discussion Paper. Retrieved from https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/479/publikationen/cc_46-2021_towards_a_joint_implementation_of_the_2030_agenda.pdf.

Wolff, F.; Teebken, J. & Jacob, K. (2022). Towards a joint implementation of the 2030 Agenda / SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. Discussion Paper. Retrieved from https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/479/publikationen/cc_46-2021_towards_a_joint_implementation_of_the_2030_agenda.pdf.

Downloads

Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

Butt, J., & Kousar, F. . (2024). Harnessing Offshore Wind for Sustainable Economic Growth in Nordic Countries: Legal Innovations, Economic Opportunities, SDG and Policy Integration. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, 20(2), 123–145. Retrieved from https://dj.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/AUDOE/article/view/2802

Issue

Section

Financial Economics