UK to accelerate offshore wind expansion by shortening consenting process

Energy Minister has said the government is looking to reduce construction times by delivering a robust UK supply chain

The government aims to accelerate the UK’s offshore wind expansion by reducing the time it needs for projects to secure consent.

Speaking at RenewableUK’s annual Global Offshore Wind conference in Manchester Energy Minister Greg Hands said: “We are all working together to remove barriers which restrict growth in the sector.

“To deliver a significant expansion, my department is making it easier for offshore wind projects to get off the ground, to address some of the delays and stoppages in the system.

“Already we are reducing the time it takes for offshore wind projects to get planning and regulatory consents and to secure grid connections.”

Mr Hands added that to further support the industry the government is currently looking to reduce construction times by creating a “robust” supply chain.

On Tuesday, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng told delegates of The Big Zero Show that “now is the time for the UK to focus on accelerating the domestic clean power production.

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