IMIS

This article explores the applicable international and regional rules and standards for the decommissioning and removal of offshore installations. In addition, the Belgian legal approach to the decommissioning of offshore wind installations and grid infrastructure is examined. Although Belgian legislation supports the complete removal of installations, an ecosystem restoration approach to the development of offshore wind farms might suggest options other than complete removal. This article demonstrates that lifetime extension, refurbishment, and repowering of installations are not problematic from an international law perspective. This research shows, however, that decommissioning offshore wind farms and grid infrastructure is ambiguously regulated in Belgium, and, in the longer term, the development of a dedicated regulatory approach is recommended.