OEUK launches guidelines for companies entering the offshore wind industry 

The guidelines, which are divided into seven sections, are intended to address knowledge barriers in windfarm development, and to drive strategic supply chain investment.

They were developed and co-ordinated by BVG Associates, an independent specialist renewable energy consultancy and describe in detail the processes for establishing a windfarm from first principles of leasing a sea area, to commercial market regulations and supply chain requirements.

OEUK says the guidelines will help speed up the UK’s drive to greater reliance on sustainable homegrown electricity supplies in the face of continuing high costs and security risks around energy imports.

The guidelines include maps showing potential areas of opportunity for offshore wind development, the mechanisms of leasing agreements in different UK jurisdictions, consent, licensing, distribution, connections and supply chain requirements.

OEUK says the information “will be invaluable for providing offshore windfarm operators and supply chain companies with a full picture of all the different agencies involved.”

BVG Associates associate director Mike Blanch said, “While the mature UK market has established development processes, they are spread across different tiers of government and government agencies. I hope users will find this guide useful in navigating the landscape and understanding who does what.”

OEUK wind energy manager Thibaut Cheret said, “The UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has set an ambitious target of 43 GW-50 GW of offshore wind by end of 2030.

“The previous Conservative and current Labour UK governments have both recognised the economic, social and environmental benefits that offshore wind can bring. That includes job creation, enhanced energy security and alignment with climate targets.

“We expect these new guidelines to accelerate the process of offshore wind energy development.”