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Offshore Wind

Round 2

The DTI concluded its Future Offshore consultation in February 2003. Its purpose was to develop a strategic framework for the offshore wind and marine renewables industries. Many issues were raised, including the consents process and the legal framework, the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and the necessary electrical infrastructure.

The DTI proceeded to comission an SEA of 3 areas around the UK coast marked for development. It brought together important data from many source to assist in selecting the most environmentally responsible sites and practices for the second round of offshore wind; on a larger scale and further out to sea - www.og.dti.gov.uk/offshore-wind-sea. The contractors, BMT Cordah, produced phase 1 SEA Final Report including consultation responses and a response by the DTI - www.og.dti.gov.uk/offshore-wind-sea/process/envreport.htm.

On completion of the first phase of the SEA and three days after the publication of the Energy White Paper the Crown Estate asked for expressions of interest from potential developers of new offshore wind sites under Round 2. The results, announced at BWEA's UK Offshore Wind 2003 conference, saw 29 companies register interest in 70 locations comprising more than 20 GW around the UK coastline. Only those companies that submitted an expression of interest were eligible to bid formally for Round 2 sites.

The results were announced in December 2003, with 15 projects, with a combined capacity of up to 7.2 GW would be allowed to apply for leases to operate offshore wind farms under Round 2.

The extension of the RO to 15% by 2015 served to improved the economic viability of large scale offshore projects. Coupled with the Energy Act 2004, which created a legal framework for development outside of UK territorial waters, Round 2 is looking well under way.

Click here to see a map and list of the Round 2 projects

Further information