UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled new funding for the government to work closer with the offshore wind industry on removing barriers to growth and protecting biodiversity.
In today’s Spending Review he announced a £4.3m Offshore Wind Enabling Actions Programme to be jointly run by DEFRA and BEIS.
The Programme is “designed to increase understanding of the environmental impacts of offshore wind and find strategic solutions to reduce barriers to its expansion in English waters”, according to HM Treasury documents.
RenewableUK deputy chief executive Melanie Onn welcomed the announcement saying: “This important initiative will help to maximise opportunities to build much-needed new projects while ensuring that we continue to do so in a way which safeguards our precious marine ecosystems.
“A well-resourced planning system is essential to reach the Prime Minister’s target of 40GW of offshore wind by 2030.
“We’re determined to achieve this in an environmentally sensitive way which reflects our values as responsible developers.
“We already work closely with other sea users and wildlife organisations to protect the rich biodiversity in UK waters, and this new funding will allow us to work even closer with two key Government departments to enhance this vital work.”