The followed methodology to this point is anticipated to provide decision makers with valuable insight regarding different aspects of the suggested novel constructions.

 

The results will suggest whether the project should be undertaken under alternative specifications regarding the discount rate and the stream of benefits if a CBA is to be followed or sensitivity analysis of selected criteria in a MCDA framework. This outcome will provide a rational to policy makers for the project appraisal and will provide evidence on whether Multi-Use platforms result in an increase of the overall social welfare.

 

In addition, the ISEA will provide insight on the determinants of public attitudes toward Multi-Use platforms (through consultation and surveys) that national and European policy makers should take into consideration when selecting the appropriate policy responses for efficient energy management. An implication for policy-makers could be that potential objection from local populations against such projects can be limited given that sufficient information is provided. Overall results will assess the viability of the novel constructions that optimize marine space allocation for different marine activities and provide evidence of their potential to provide us with environmentally-friendly and cost –efficient energy, food supply and maritime services.

 

In this framework and supported by the LCA approach, it will be possible to identify key impacts of interest related to different constructions and suggest potential mitigation options in order to minimize risk and non acceptable negative effects.

 

Importantly, this section is to provide policy recommendations harmonized with national and European policy frameworks.

 

In a European context results will directly contribute to the adopted EU Green Paper on Energy (COM, 2006) which develops a European strategy to ensure energy security, stable economic conditions and effective action against climate change. The Green Paper underlines the importance of Renewable Sources to ensure sustainable, competitive and secure energy. In this respect the EC announced a Renewable Energy Road Map which specifies policy action to be undertaken to meet the challenge of promoting Renewables to a degree that the share of electricity from renewable energy sources in the EU consumption reaches 21% by 2010.

 

Furthermore, it is important to note that the suggested novel plans will be in accordance with the recent Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD - Directive 2008/56/EC) demonstrating in this way a sustainable use of the marine environment. The Directive provides a legal obligation to define a Good Environmental Status (GES) for all European regional seas by July 2012, and reach it by July 2020.

 

For that purpose, marine strategies shall be developed and implemented in order to protect and preserve the marine environment, prevent its deterioration or, where practicable, restore marine ecosystems in areas where they have been adversely affected. In addition, marine strategies shall prevent and reduce inputs in the marine environment, with a view to phasing out pollution (as defined in Art. 3(8) in the Directive), so as to ensure that there are no significant impacts on or risks to marine biodiversity, marine ecosystems, human health or legitimate uses of the sea.

 

The MSFD focuses on the protection of all marine waters, by preventing deterioration or, where practicable, restoration of marine ecosystems. Therefore, the Directive calls for a management that is aimed at achieving good environmental status and enables sustainable use. This means that the Directive does not prohibit the use of the marine environment, but requires the use to be sustainable.