ORE Catapult plots new path for offshore consenting

The report calls for adopting a Regional Ecosystem Monitoring Programme (REMP), allowing the environmental impacts of offshore wind projects to be assessed by region, rather than by individual project. According to the ORE Catapult, a shake-up of the current system is required to hit Net Zero targets, with environmental consenting taking ‘several years’ for some projects today.

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“With such ambitious targets for offshore wind deployment, it is time to evolve how we monitor and assess the environmental effects of potential offshore wind projects,” said report author Dr Caroline Whalley, environmental specialist for ORE Catapult.

“We need to embrace next generation survey methodologies and thinking. By transitioning to a regional scale ecosystem-based approach to monitoring, we can take a more holistic view of ensuring the UK is making quicker and more informed decisions about future sustainable offshore wind deployment.”

Recommendations from the report include appointing an independent body to oversee and facilitate regional assessment, removing the ‘scoping phase’ from the pre-application stage of the consenting process, and embracing new monitoring technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to enable enhanced analysis.

“Moving to a regional ecosystem-based monitoring program (REMP) Is a game changer for industry, government, academics and stakeholders,” said Professor Beth Scott, marine ecologist at University of Aberdeen. “Climate change is barrelling down on us, driving a need for the extremely rapid acceleration of offshore renewable energy.

“The regional approach outlined by ORE Catapult provides a clear roadmap, that includes reflective, adaptive changes that will allow the better understanding of effective regional planning decisions and hence consenting decisions can be made closer to the rate of change necessary. 

“The scientific community stands ready and able to enact and facilitate a regional approach.  We are excited to see offshore industries, policy makers and governments interested in pursuing this direction”.

This study was carried out by ORE Catapult as part of Accelerating Consenting for Offshore Renewables Deployment (ACORD). The project aims to accelerate the deployment of major offshore renewable energy infrastructure projects, minimise damage to the environment and maximise the potential to reach Net Zero.