RenewableUK has said that the delays at the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project shows that the planning system needs urgent reform.
The hold up at Orsted’s 2.6GW project was announced by Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps, who said that a final consent decision would be put off until 12 July, 2023.
The decision was postponed from 22 February to allow the department to seek further information from the developer about proposed wildlife compensation measures for the project.
Responding to the announcement, RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Policy Ana Musat said: “This decision clearly shows that government needs to reform our cumbersome planning system urgently to ensure that renewable energy projects are not subject to needless delays.
“Due to unclear guidance to planning authorities, no offshore wind project wind since 2017 has been recommended for approval by the Planning Inspectorate. All 6GW of these projects were delayed until the Secretary of State reviewed them to confirm approval.
“To meet our 50GW offshore wind target, the UK will need to install 4.5GW of offshore wind a year in the latter half of this decade. A reformed planning system is essential to ensure we can stay ahead in the global race to build vital new clean energy infrastructure.”
Musat added: “This landmark offshore wind project has the potential to supply an enormous 2.6GW of clean electricity to the grid, displacing expensive gas, reducing bills and boosting our energy security. At a time when countries like the US and the EU are doubling down on attracting clean energy investment through financial incentives and a stable policy framework, the UK cannot afford to create unnecessary hurdles for investors and developers.”