Up to thirteen major offshore wind projects have today (Wednesday
29th January) been unlocked as the Government announced measures
to accelerate the construction of offshore infrastructure.
Inheriting outdated and archaic infrastructure restrictions that
slowed and jammed the building of offshore clean energy projects,
Ministers are streamlining the consenting process to accelerate
their construction. As set out in the Chancellor's growth speech,
this will hasten the delivery of vital infrastructure projects
and unlock growth as part of the Government's Plan for Change,
while protecting nature and the environment.
Together, the unlocked projects will generate up to 16GWs of
electricity – almost equivalent to the electricity generated by
all of the country's gas power plants last year - and create
thousands of good jobs in the offshore wind sector, potentially
spurring £20-30bn of investment in homegrown clean power.
These changes will allow the Government to designate new Marine
Protected Areas or extend existing Marine Protected Areas to
compensate for impacts to the seabed caused by offshore wind
development. This will prevent delays that have previously
resulted from insufficient environmental compensation being
agreed, while protecting the marine environment and contributing
to our commitment to protect 30% of our seas for nature by 2030.
Marine Minister said:
Under the Government's Plan for Change, we are committed to
boosting growth and making Britain a clean energy superpower
while defending our important marine habitats.
These changes show we can make significant progress in expanding
homegrown British clean power in a way that protects vulnerable
sea life.
Energy Minister said:
Offshore wind will be the backbone of delivering clean power by
2030 as we enter a new era of clean electricity.
As part of the Government's Plan for Change, today's announcement
will help unlock crucial offshore wind projects that will boost
our energy security, protect billpayers from volatile fossil fuel
markets, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.
Any new designations of Marine Protected Areas will follow the
existing process required under legislation, and will include
consulting other affected industries and communities.
The new or extended Marine Protected Areas will protect a range
of marine habitats, with the cost of their designation and
management funded by offshore wind developers through the Marine
Recovery Fund.
This follows the announcement that the
Government's forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure
Bill will unlock much-needed infrastructure projects
whilst supporting nature recovery, and targeted changes to the
management of underwater noise will fast-track the UK to
deliver a clean power system by 2030.
