A new study of the UK's shores recommends there's scope for between 5,000 and 7,000 more offshore wind turbines, enough to power the equivalent of almost all the homes in the UK and make a massive contribution to renewable energy targets. Experts have spent more than a year surveying the environment of the UK's seas to assess the potential for further development in offshore wind, oil and gas licensing and natural gas storage. The extensive work included the surveying of bird populations, studying the geology of the seabed, tagging marine mammals like grey and harbour seals, as well as charting how shipping, fishing and other industries use the seas around the UK.
The report, published as part of the Department of Energy and Climate Change's Strategic Environmental Assessment, along with the feedback from public consultation, will help inform decisions on where future offshore energy development can be built to further secure the UK's fuel supplies.
“In terms of electricity, offshore wind power could potentially make the single biggest contribution to our 2020 renewable energy target so it's vital we maximise the UK's natural resources to help in the fight against climate change,” said Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary.
“This report provides a real advance in our understanding of the ecology and geology of the UK marine environment so we can continue to ensure that projects like wind farms are built in the most suitable places and that we will also protect the natural environment.”
The Crown Estate, as landlord of the seabed, will also consider the report's findings as it develops its plans for Round three offshore wind development zones.
Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate at The Crown Estate, said:
"We welcome the launch of this report and recognise the critical part that it forms in the delivery of 25GW of marine renewable energy by 2020. The publication of the study at this time ensures that as an industry we are well prepared to take on the challenges that will come as part of the Round three offshore wind farm leasing process."
We are already seeing the economic benefits of offshore wind in the UK, with NaREC's technology innovation centre in the North East and Vestas building turbine blades on the Isle of Wight. A 25GW expansion could create massive opportunities for jobs in engineering and manufacturing and further cement the UK's position as the global leader in offshore wind deployment.
Offshore wind power is hugely important in meeting the UK's renewable energy and climate change targets which is why the Government has proposed to increase the financial incentives to make the UK an attractive place for offshore wind development. Seven wind farms are already operating off the coast of the UK, a further five are under construction, nine have been approved and two are in the planning process.
Government recognises the challenge, particularly in the present financial circumstances, of encouraging investment in offshore wind which is why we are:
• Making the planning process easier
• Ensuring quicker connection to the grid
• Offering better support to business and tackling supply chain blockages
• Reforming financial support for renewables
In addition to wind farms, the seas around the UK provide some significant opportunities for sub-sea gas storage and we expect to consult further on new licensing arrangements for offshore gas storage in the near future.
