Published on 5 May 2026

Early identification of suitable offshore windfarm locations: reducing environmental and permitting risks before fieldwork begins

Offshore wind site selection

From our Ayesa Engineering Middle East team, we are witnessing firsthand how the region’s energy transition is entering a new phase: more ambitious, more complex, and above all, more demanding in terms of responsible planning. Offshore wind is no longer an emerging opportunity, but a strategic priority for countries looking to diversify their energy mix and move towards decarbonization goals. However, this momentum brings with it a critical question, which we are helping our clients address:

How can informed decisions on offshore wind developments be made before major investments begin?

Our experience in early-stage projects across the Gulf region shows that the success of offshore developments depends not only on technical feasibility, but on the ability to integrate environmental and regulatory considerations from the outset.

In this context, early-stage offshore site screening is becoming a key tool to reduce risk, optimize investment, and build more sustainable projects from the ground up.

Why this is important

The offshore energy sector is evolving quickly, and with that comes increasing pressure to demonstrate that developments can be planned responsibly from the start.

A structured early-screening approach helps to:

• reduce uncertainty during project development
• identify environmental and social sensitivities early
• support future permitting processes
• increase stakeholder and community acceptance
• improve confidence in site selection decisions
• reduce the risk of delays during later project phases

Without this level of early analysis, projects may progress into unsuitable areas, creating avoidable technical and regulatory challenges.

How environmental screening supports early decision-making

Ayesa Engineering Middle East supported a pre-feasibility study for a proposed offshore windfarm initiative in the Gulf region, providing environmental input during the earliest stage of offshore renewable energy planning.

Appointed as Environmental Consultant, our role focused on supporting offshore site screening to identify suitable locations for potential development and on carrying out a preliminary high-level environmental impact assessment.

The objective was clear: to reduce future environmental and permitting risks before field investigations begin and to narrow their spatial extend.

Data-led GIS screening methodology

A key strength of the study was the development of a GIS-based screening methodology that brought multiple datasets together into one decision-support framework.

Using publicly available data and stakeholder information, we carried out a detailed geospatial analysis across a large offshore area to assess marine conditions and identify exclusion zones and constraints.

The analysis considered:

• bathymetry
• existing and planned offshore infrastructure
• ecological constraints
• socioeconomic sensitivities
• land use plans
• designated areas
• exclusion zones

This data-driven approach allowed multiple environmental and technical layers to be reviewed together, helping define where development may be feasible and where significant constraints exist.

Suggested approach for offshore site screening

For organisations considering offshore renewable developments, early screening should begin by combining technical and environmental datasets before committing to field investigations.

A practical approach includes:

• Defining the wider offshore search area
• Mapping key environmental and operational constraints
• Reviewing regulatory and marine use restrictions
• Identifying sensitive receptors early
• Narrowing down viable zones before detailed survey work
• Assessing the strategic positioning of potential offshore projects within regional energy targets, marine planning priorities, and long-term development plans

This creates a stronger evidence base for future project stages and helps avoid unnecessary investment in unsuitable locations.

Project outcomes

Using this methodology, the study refined more than 7,000 km² of marine territory into a focused shortlist of viable offshore zones. These shortlisted areas would then be taken forward into the feasibility stage, where each zone can be assessed in greater detail to confirm its suitability for offshore windfarm development.

This was achieved without field investigations, demonstrating how much progress can be made through desk-based analysis when environmental thinking is integrated early. The assessment also identified gaps in the available data, helping to define where future data collection efforts should be prioritised. A detailed methodology was subsequently developed to guide how those gaps could be addressed during the next stages of the project.

In parallel, the study identified key environmental and social sensitivities, including:

• ecological habitats
• fisheries activity
• navigation routes
• cultural heritage considerations

High-level impact assessment and initial mitigation measures were also outlined to support future project development.

Final thoughts

As offshore renewable energy advances in the region, environmental considerations will increasingly need to be considered alongside technical feasibility, not after it. Early screening does more than identify where development could happen. It helps explain where development is more likely to succeed responsibly, with fewer future risks. For developers, public authorities, and investors, this creates a stronger foundation for decision-making and supports more sustainable offshore growth.

For any additional information on this topic, please contact our Middle East environment team:

Ramon Berruezo Baraza – Director of Water and Environment – Middle East

Abdallah Sakkijha – Head of Environment – Middle East