
UK unlocks major offshore wind projects set to generate 16GW of electricity
The UK Government has announced measures to accelerate the construction of offshore wind infrastructure in what it has called the “Offshore wind revolution.”
These measures include the unlocking of 13 major offshore wind projects, which will generate up to 16 GW of electricity, nearly the same amount of electricity generated by all the gas-fired power plants in the country last year.
These projects will create thousands of good jobs in the offshore wind sector, potentially stimulating an investment of between £20 billion and £30 billion in locally produced clean energy.
These changes will allow the Government to designate new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or expand existing MPAs to offset the impacts on the seabed caused by offshore wind development.
This will avoid delays that have previously occurred due to the lack of sufficient environmental compensation agreements, while also protecting the marine environment and contributing to the commitment to protect 30% of our seas for nature by 2030.
Ministers, who inherited outdated infrastructure restrictions that slowed down and blocked the construction of offshore clean energy projects, are streamlining the approval process to accelerate their construction. As outlined in the Chancellor's Growth Speech, this will speed up the delivery of vital infrastructure projects and unlock growth as part of the Government's Growth Plan, while protecting nature and the environment.
Maritime Minister Emma Hardy assured that, “under the Government’s Growth Plan, we are committed to driving growth and making Britain a clean energy superpower, while also safeguarding our important marine habitats.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated, “offshore wind will be the backbone of clean energy supply by 2030 as we enter a new era of clean electricity.”
Shanks added, “As part of the Government’s Growth Plan, these measures will help unlock crucial offshore wind projects that will enhance our energy security, protect taxpayers from volatile fossil fuel markets, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.”
According to government information, any new Marine Protected Area designation will follow the existing legislative process and include consultation with other affected industries and communities.
The newly designated or expanded Marine Protected Areas will safeguard a variety of marine habitats, and the cost of their designation and management will be funded by offshore wind developers through the Marine Recovery Fund.
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