Power Generation

The Crown Estate, who owns the seabed off the UK, has announced its round 3 leasing programme aimed at providing 25 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2020.

The programme will invite partner companies to bid for development zones for the installation of offshore wind farms. The Crown Estate will invest up to 50% in the planning stage, but will not be responsible for the construction or operation of the wind farms.

“For the first time we will be investing directly in offshore wind farm development. We will be helping to identify suitable sites and working closely with commercial partners,” said Rob Hastings, the director of marine estates.

The development is key to meeting the UK government’s part of the EU target of 20% renewables by 2020.

“The expansion of wind energy is already a real success story for the UK. We will shortly become the leading country in the world in terms of the number of windfarms operating offshore,” said Minister of State for Energy, Malcolm Wicks.

The government hopes the move will boost confidence in offshore wind, which faces serious challenges in terms of installation costs and feasibility.

“Government is aware of the costs and supply challenges facing the industry. We are working to reduce other barriers such as radar, shipping, grid access and infrastructure issues,” commented Wicks.

The newly formed EDF Energy Renewables also welcomed the move.

For further information:
www.thecrownestate.co.uk/offshore_wind_energy