The Crown Estate has officially announced its decision to move forward with a capacity increase program aimed at maximizing the potential of existing seabed leases at seven UK wind farms. This significant step confirms earlier requests from developers who were awarded rights during the Crown Estate’s offshore leasing Round 3 and the 2017 Extensions round.
The latest announcement will raise the total capacity at these projects by an additional 4.7 gigawatts (GW). Notable projects included in this expansion are RWE’s 1.1GW Awel y Mor off the coast of Wales and the 1.2GW Rampion 2 off southern England, as well as Equinor’s 719MW Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon extensions near Norfolk.
This capacity increase is part of the UK government’s ambitious target to deploy up to 50GW of total installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, a crucial goal in the fight against climate change.
To ensure the environmental integrity of this program, The Crown Estate conducted a plan-level Habitats Regulations Assessment to evaluate the potential impacts on protected habitats. Following the assessment, they recommended proceeding with the program under a derogation, which includes compensation measures to mitigate any identified impacts on marine habitats and species. This recommendation has been approved by the Secretary of State for Energy & Net Zero.
Gus Jaspert, CE marine managing director, stated, “Our purpose is to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation. Offshore wind enables us to do that as a driver of economic growth through job creation and supply chain development.”
The delivery of the Capacity Increase Programme is expected to provide clean energy for up to four million homes, significantly reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, which are often sourced internationally. Jaspert emphasized the importance of balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities, expressing confidence in the accompanying compensation measures designed to protect marine ecosystems.
The offshore wind industry has strongly welcomed this announcement. Kat Route-Stephens, RenewableUK’s offshore wind environment and consents co-programme manager, noted, “This is a great step forward towards the Government’s target of clean power by 2030. It maximizes the amount of electricity we can generate from existing sites, enabling us to power an extra four million British homes.”
She added that this decision followed a thorough assessment of the potential effects on marine wildlife, ensuring that suitable measures are in place to address any impacts. “We work closely with the Government, The Crown Estate, and nature conservation bodies to safeguard our precious marine biodiversity while strengthening the UK’s energy security,” Route-Stephens said.
The Crown Estate’s capacity increase program represents a crucial advancement in the UK’s journey towards a sustainable future. With its commitment to expanding offshore wind capabilities, the UK is not only strengthening its energy security but also paving the way for significant economic growth and environmental stewardship in the renewable energy sector. As the nation works toward its clean energy targets, the collaboration between government, industry, and conservation efforts will be vital for success.
