Boost for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea in the mini-budget

In an announcement on 23 September 2022, the UK Government made it clear that, not only is Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) an essential technology for achieving long-term energy security for the UK, but it also wants to speed up the way in which planning policy is implemented, to allow FLOW technology to be deployed more rapidly.

The Chancellor said he wants to see the “vast majority” of consented, planning and pre-lease stage offshore wind projects start construction by the end of 2023. All remaining UK Round 3, Round 4, Extension, ScotWind, INTOG, Floating Wind Commercialisation Projects and Celtic Sea projects are to be “accelerated” under the UK Government’s growth plan.

“These projects may benefit from acceleration through planning reform, regulatory reform, improved processes or other options to speed up their development and construction, including through development consent processes,” says the government announcement.

Prof Lars Johanning, Programme Manager of Marine-i, which is part funded by the EU and is supporting Cornish businesses to accelerate innovation in marine technology, added: “This is great news for the development of FLOW in the Celtic Sea which will be boosted by this government initiative. Many of our superb local businesses are leading the way in this fast growing industry.”