The UK Government introduced measures to accelerate the development of offshore infrastructure, which in turn unlocked up to 13 major offshore wind projects.
Facing outdated and restrictive infrastructure regulations that hindered the progress of offshore clean energy projects, ministers are now streamlining the consenting process to expedite construction. As outlined in the Chancellor’s growth speech, these measures aim to speed up the delivery of essential infrastructure projects and unlock growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, all while safeguarding nature and the environment.
Collectively, the unlocked projects are set to generate up to 16GW of electricity—almost equivalent to the output of all of the country’s gas power plants in the previous year—and create thousands of skilled jobs within the offshore wind sector. The initiatives could potentially attract £20-30bn of investment into domestically-produced clean power.
The proposed changes will enable the Government to designate new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or extend existing MPAs to mitigate the impact of offshore wind development on the seabed. This will help avoid delays caused by insufficient environmental compensation agreements, while simultaneously protecting marine ecosystems and contributing to the target of protecting 30% of UK seas for nature by 2030.
Any new MPA designations will follow the established legislative process, which includes consultation with affected industries and communities.
The newly designated or extended MPAs will protect a variety of marine habitats, with the costs of their designation and management being covered by offshore wind developers through the Marine Recovery Fund. This announcement follows the Government’s plan to introduce the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to unlock vital infrastructure projects while supporting nature recovery. Targeted changes to the management of underwater noise will also help accelerate the UK’s efforts to establish a clean power system by 2030.
Marine Minister Emma Hardy 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.”
