UK Government eases offshore wind rules targeting £30bn investment

The UK government has introduced new measures to accelerate offshore wind development while maintaining environmental protections. The changes aim to unlock up to £30bn in investment by streamlining planning and permitting processes.

Streamlining offshore wind approvals

Under the government’s new scheme, developers will contribute to a Marine Restoration Fund in exchange for simplified environmental assessment requirements. The government will use the fund to create or expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aiming to balance renewable energy expansion with marine conservation.

This approach is designed to speed up the consenting process for offshore wind farms while upholding the UK’s commitment to protect 30% of its seas for nature by 2030.

The government has approved thirteen major offshore wind projects under the new system, with a total capacity of 16 gigawatts (GW) – equivalent to the UK’s gas power output last year. Officials say the initiative will create jobs in the renewable energy sector while ensuring environmental safeguards remain in place.

Nature restoration fund

The announcement follows the launch of a similar initiative, the Nature Restoration Fund, introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week. Instead of conducting site-specific environmental assessments, developers of major projects such as nuclear plants, train lines, and wind farms will contribute to the fund. The money will be allocated to broader environmental recovery efforts, including water pollution reduction and habitat restoration.

Balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship

Supporters suggest that both funds will help remove delays and facilitate infrastructure development. However, some groups have raised concerns that these measures could reduce local environmental protections and affect the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy introduced in 2023.

The government maintains that these changes provide a structured approach to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.

Commenting on the funds, Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Offshore wind will be the backbone of delivering clean power by 2030 as we enter a new era of clean electricity.

“As part of the government’s Plan for Change, today’s announcement will help unlock crucial offshore wind projects that will boost our energy security, protect billpayers from volatile fossil fuel markets, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.”