The Crown Estate said today it is starting a process to unlock up to an additional 4 GW of capacity from seven offshore wind projects currently in development following requests from developers who believe their existing seabed rights can generate more clean energy.
The Crown Estate, which manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, added that the move recognises the advancements in offshore wind technology since awarding the seabed rights.
The seven projects are Awel y Mor, Dudgeon Extension, Sheringham Shoal Extension, North Falls, Five Estuaries, Rampion 2 and Dogger Bank D. They were awarded rights in either The Crown Estate’s 2017 Offshore Wind Extensions opportunity or back in The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3.
“These proposed capacity increases make use of seabed areas that have been previously granted rights, are not being fully utilised, and may have limited options for alternative uses. We are therefore pleased to launch a process to examine whether this additional capacity can be made available in a way which remains true to our commitment to nature and biodiversity,” explained Gus Jaspert, managing director, marine, at The Crown Estate.
Determination will be sought within 12 months so that the additional capacity can make a contribution to the government’s offshore wind target of 50 GW by 2030.
