RenewableUK: New studies reveal offshore wind drive to cut costs hampered by red tape regulatory burden

A second study released today Consenting Preparedness of Offshore Wind Stakeholders: Survey and Recommendations – also shows that the time taken to make planning decisions has substantially increased. This latter study finds that the average planning timescale (from pre-application to consent) increased from 36 months in Round 1 to 73 months in Round 2.

Both studies highlight the problems of the complexity of making an application, with the Regulatory and Consenting Costs Study showing that the Environmental Statement submitted for a Round 1 wind farm was 300 pages long, while for a recently submitted Round 3 project the statement totalled 12,500 pages. In addition both studies flag concerns around the ability of the consenting bodies to respond as quickly as needed given financial pressures. A number of detailed recommendations are made in the two studies to ensure that the consenting regime for offshore wind can function effectively.

Commenting on the studies, Nick Medic, Director of Offshore Renewables said: “Offshore wind is a great British success story, already accounting for thousands of UK jobs. However, for it to really flourish as a sector we understand that costs need to come down. The industry is working hard on this, but we need Government to do their part and make system the planning system functions in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring that the important needs of guaranteeing environmental protection are coupled with an efficient process which keeps costs down for the consumer .

It is reasonable to expect that with the accumulation of experience, having built 1,183 turbines in UK waters, we should start seeing a more efficient consenting process with less red tape, resulting in savings of time and money. An adequately funded, efficient planning system is a winning proposition for the industry and Government. “.

Notes:

1. RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with more than 575 corporate members, RenewableUK is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.

2. Managing Regulatory and Consenting Costs for Offshore Wind and Consenting Preparedness of Offshore Wind Stakeholders: Survey and Recommendations are available from http://www.renewableuk.com/en/publications/index.cfm

3. Development costs for an offshore wind farm are taken from A Guide to an Offshore Wind Farm”, The Crown Estate , available from https://ore.catapult.org.uk/industry-report#