Global renewable energy consultancy OWC and APEM Group, through its subsidiary GoBe Consultants Ltd (GoBe), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on delivering integrated technical solutions for offshore wind decommissioning in the UK.

The partnership aims to combine expertise in offshore wind engineering, environmental planning and consultancy to help UK clients de-risk, plan and execute decommissioning projects as the country's first generation of offshore wind farms approaches the end of its operational life.

The agreement comes at a key moment for the UK offshore wind sector. Approximately 5 GW of offshore wind capacity is expected to reach the end of its lifespan in the early to mid-2030s, requiring asset owners to decide whether to repower or decommission their projects. In addition, around 1 GW of Round 1 (RD1) capacity is expected to begin decommissioning between 2026 and 2027, with activity forecast to peak between 2032 and 2034.

According to Cliff Pullen, Director of Asset Management and Investment at OWC, offshore wind decommissioning represents "the next and inevitable frontier of the UK energy transition. As we accelerate deployment, we must also address how to safely and commercially decommission the UK's first generation of assets. These campaigns are inherently complex, with significant technical, environmental and cost uncertainties," Pullen said.

He added that, because decommissioning represents a non-productive cost, ensuring projects are delivered effectively is critical both for asset owners and for maintaining confidence in the offshore wind industry.

Under the terms of the MoU, OWC and APEM Group will work together on a project-by-project basis, combining their technical capabilities to provide clients with an integrated and independent service. The companies said the collaboration will support informed decision-making from the early stages of strategy and planning, while helping clients avoid regulatory delays and unforeseen costs.

The partnership combines OWC's capabilities in offshore wind engineering, project delivery and environmental advisory services with APEM Group's expertise in environmental assessment, consenting and regulatory compliance, creating what the companies describe as an end-to-end offering covering the full decommissioning lifecycle.

Nikki Young, Associate Director at GoBe Consultants, said decommissioning requires the same level of strategic planning, environmental consideration and technical integration as offshore wind development. "We bring expertise in environmental assessment, consenting and regulatory strategy, helping clients navigate complex requirements while maintaining compliance and minimising risk. By partnering with OWC, we can integrate this with robust engineering and expert technical insight, giving clients a more complete view of decommissioning challenges and opportunities from the outset," Young said.

She added that the collaboration will support more informed decision-making and help deliver decommissioning strategies that are compliant, efficient and aligned with the future needs of the UK offshore wind sector.

OWC is part of the Oslo-listed consultancy group Aqualis ASA.

APEM Group provides independent, data-enabled intelligence and advisory services across sectors including water, energy and renewable power, oil and gas, ports and harbours, critical minerals and infrastructure, as well as to regulators and governments. The company said it combines environmental data, advanced technology and scientific expertise to help clients understand risks, meet regulatory requirements and turn technical insights into practical outcomes.