INTRODUCTION 
The development of offshore wind energy production In the North Sea and Baltic 
Sea is an important part of the energy transition. Currently, more than 1500 wind 
turbines and 30 transformer and converter platforms are already in operation 
in German marine waters. The German Federal Government makes clear that 
there is a considerable need for further development, especially in the Exclusive 
Economic Zone of the North Sea. However, every offshore installation represents 
an intervention into the marine environment. 
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Impact of Offshore Wind Energy 
In the past, researchers have already 
nvestigated various effects of wind 
farms, such as the generation of under- 
water noise, the alteration of habitats 
and the influence on current patterns. 
In contrast, there is little information 
available about the chemical emissi- 
ons from wind farms, such as organic 
pollutants and metals, as well as their 
potential impacts. However, offshore 
wind farms must be protected from 
corrosion due to the strong corrosive 
conditions in the marine environment 
This is essential for the structura' 
integrity and the stability of the instal- 
lations. However, some techniques 
for corrosion protection could lead to 
long-term chemical emissions into the 
marine environment. Offshore wind 
farm operators, frequently use galvanic 
anodes, known as sacrificial anodes, 
for protecting wind farms from corro- 
sion in the submerged zone. These are 
also applied in water engineering and 
in shipping.