The Crown Estate has published the second annual report for the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme.
At a time when the UK’s offshore energy landscape is at an important moment of transition, the report offers a summary of a breakthrough year for the programme.
This enables the gathering of data and evidence for the development of offshore wind in the UK in a manner that is sustainable, delivering positive outcomes for coastal communities and marine wildlife, The Crown Estate said.
It has committed to invest a further £25m in the programme, bringing the total amount committed to £50m over six years.
The report noted that six projects were completed during 2022, the first to have done so since the programme formally began in 2021.
In addition, following a further call for submissions, 15 new projects received a total of £14m worth of investment, bringing the total number of projects supported by the programme to 27.
These are worth nearly £30m, including partner contributions of over £10m.
The Crown Estate is to review and update the focus of the programme to deliver for the potential challenges of floating wind, coordinated transmission and to align with the Environmental Improvement Package of the British Energy Security Strategy.
The report has been produced in partnership with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Managing director for marine at The Crown Estate Gus Jaspert (pictured) said: ”The seabed is getting busier with each passing year, and the need to ensure a thriving marine environment is becoming ever more complex.
“The importance of securing the UK’s energy security and path to net zero, while tackling crises of climate and biodiversity loss, has never been greater.
“The Crown Estate’s role as long-term stewards of the seabed means we are committed to best practice management that will accelerate renewables alongside a wide range of other interests.
“In that context, the £50m Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme is a vital pillar in driving collaboration to ensure the responsible and sustainable management of our seabed in lockstep with the development of offshore wind.
“In 2022 we have seen a fantastic array of projects beginning, concluding and developing that will add to our understanding for years to come. This report goes some way to shining a light on the huge amount of work that’s taken place.
“A huge congratulations and thanks to all of our programme partners on their work to date, and we look forward to a successful 2023.”
RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail said: “As this report shows, the offshore wind industry is working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including The Crown Estate, UK governments and conservation bodies such as Natural England, Marine Scotland and the RSPB, to ensure we build offshore wind projects in a sensitive way which protects our rich biodiversity.
“The Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme is gathering valuable data to enable us to build vital new clean energy infrastructure in a sustainable way, ensuring that wildlife continues to flourish in British waters – and that we share the seas successfully with other sectors such as the fishing industry by working collaboratively with other marine users.
“Ramping up our offshore wind capacity rapidly is one of the most important practical steps we can take to tackle climate change, which is the biggest threat to wildlife.
“This report highlights the importance of streamlining the consenting process to ensure that we avoid years of needless delays by making it more agile and responsive to the challenges we all face as committed environmentalists.”