Electricity generation from wind power is included as an eligible activity in the EU taxonomy. However, it is not automatically a sustainable activity. The technical screening criteria set a number of requirements and limits on when wind power will qualify as sustainable.

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Here are some key things to know about the taxonomy requirements for wind power:

·      Generating electricity from wind power is enough to qualify as making a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation, but there are also strict requirements that the activity does no significant harm in other key areas.

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·      Wind power can also make a substantial contribution to pollution prevention and control if installations meet pollution thresholds.

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·      Five pollution criteria are currently proposed for wind power. They address the most significant air pollutant emissions resulting from these activities in the European Union. These five criteria cover life-cycle emissions.

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·      Construction and operation of offshore wind installations must not impact the environmental status of the marine habitat or biodiversity.

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·      Offshore wind will need to ensure that the introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment.

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·      Equipment that is highly durable, recyclable and easy to refurbish must be used where feasible.

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·      An environmental impact assessment that identifies key physical climate risks must be carried out for all installations.

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