Source - reNews - Starmer pledges to cut offshore wind red tape

The UK government has committed to slashing red tape and bureaucracy for offshore wind developers as part of its drive to make the country a ‘clean energy superpower’ by 2030.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the “volume and inconsistency” of current planning and regulatory barriers, which he said hinder clear investment pathways in the offshore wind sector. Speaking at the International Investment Summit in London on 14 October, Starmer pointed to ScottishPower Renewables’ 960MW East Anglia 2 wind farm as an example, where a judicial review caused a two-year delay despite the project’s consent in March 2022.

The £4bn project, featuring 75 turbines, was also required to submit over 4000 documents to secure a Development Consent Order. “This is an important project for the UK that we need to replicate again and again,” Starmer said, adding, “However, as an investor, when you see that sort of inertia, you don’t bother – do you?”

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister also detailed additional policy measures to encourage private investment, such as establishing Great British Energy, founding a National Wealth Fund, and launching a broader Industrial Strategy.

Sam Richards, chief executive of Britain Remade, responded by emphasizing the critical role of the planning system in either facilitating or blocking investment. “The biggest block on investment in Britain is our sclerotic planning system,” he said. While the government has lifted the ban on new onshore wind projects, Richards urged them to go further to unlock investments in clean energy and transport. He noted, “Far too often planning rules slow down or torpedo growth-boosting investments, including clean energy projects essential for the government’s 2030 clean grid target.”

RenewableUK’s head of supply chain, Ajai Ahluwalia, also called for an industrial strategy to harness the potential of the offshore wind sector. “With the UK taking a leading role in offshore wind, including new floating wind projects, now is the right time to set an industrial strategy for the sector,” Ahluwalia said, pointing out that targeted investment in supply chain areas such as cables, blades, and floating platforms could generate £25bn in economic activity by 2035, particularly benefiting coastal communities.

Ahluwalia emphasized that the offshore wind sector is eager to collaborate, noting that RenewableUK had earlier this year outlined an Industrial Growth Plan identifying areas where the UK could secure global competitiveness and new investments.

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