A Government study of the UK's shores, published yesterday, recommends there is scope for between 5,000 and 7,000 more offshore wind turbines.
The conclusion of the UK Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment states that "there are no overriding environmental considerations to prevent the achievement of the offshore…wind elements of the programme."
The study required more than one year's worth of surveying the UK's seas to assess the potential for further development in offshore wind, oil and gas licensing and natural gas storage.
The work included the surveying of bird populations, studying the geology of the seabed, tagging marine mammals like grey and harbour seals, as well as charting how shipping, fishing and other industries use the seas around the UK.
"In terms of electricity, offshore wind power could potentially make the single biggest contribution to our 2020 renewable energy target so it's vital we maximise the UK's natural resources to help in the fight against climate change," said Energy and Climate Change secretary Ed Miliband.
The conclusion of the UK Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment states that "there are no overriding environmental considerations to prevent the achievement of the offshore…wind elements of the programme."
The study required more than one year's worth of surveying the UK's seas to assess the potential for further development in offshore wind, oil and gas licensing and natural gas storage.
The work included the surveying of bird populations, studying the geology of the seabed, tagging marine mammals like grey and harbour seals, as well as charting how shipping, fishing and other industries use the seas around the UK.
"In terms of electricity, offshore wind power could potentially make the single biggest contribution to our 2020 renewable energy target so it's vital we maximise the UK's natural resources to help in the fight against climate change," said Energy and Climate Change secretary Ed Miliband.
"This report provides a real advance in our understanding of the ecology and geology of the UK marine environment so we can continue to ensure that projects like wind farms are built in the most suitable places and that we will also protect the natural environment."
The report will now be subject to a 12 week public consultation. The Crown Estate, as landlord of the seabed, will also consider the report's findings as it develops its plans for Round 3 offshore wind development zones.
Crown Estate director of the Marine Estate Rob Hastings said: "We welcome the launch of this report and recognise the critical part that it forms in the delivery of 25GW of marine renewable energy by 2020. The publication of the study at this time ensures that as an industry we are well prepared to take on the challenges that will come as part of the Round 3 offshore windfarm leasing process."
The report will now be subject to a 12 week public consultation. The Crown Estate, as landlord of the seabed, will also consider the report's findings as it develops its plans for Round 3 offshore wind development zones.
Crown Estate director of the Marine Estate Rob Hastings said: "We welcome the launch of this report and recognise the critical part that it forms in the delivery of 25GW of marine renewable energy by 2020. The publication of the study at this time ensures that as an industry we are well prepared to take on the challenges that will come as part of the Round 3 offshore windfarm leasing process."
From the New Civil Engineer
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