The Crown Estate has reworked the timetable for its up to 7GW Round 4 UK offshore wind leasing round in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The seabed landlord said it is extending the ITT Stage 1 submission window from seven to 10 weeks “to afford bidders additional time to respond”.
The process will get underway from 30 March while an 11-week assessment period will be retained.
“We envisage that ITT Stage 2 would commence in the second half of September 2020 with the commencement of the Bidding Cycles in October,” added the Crown Estate.
The agency said it is responding to the Coronavirus situation “mindful of both the health and wellbeing of everyone involved and the need to ensure all bidders are treated fairly”.
“Our considered adjustments to some timings will help to allow additional time and flexibility for bidders, while ensuring minimal disruption to the overall programme timeline,” said a statement.
“We’ll continue to monitor the national and international situation closely and, where necessary, will provide further updates as the situation develops. In the event any further adjustments to the programme are required, we will provide as much advanced notice to bidders as possible.”