RenewableUK is welcoming today’s announcement by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his Spending Review of funding for a new Offshore Wind Enabling Actions Programme.

The £4.3m initiative involves the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the offshore wind industry working closely together to remove barriers to expanding this vitally important technology in English waters while increasing our understanding of any environmental impacts. 

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said: 
“This important initiative will help to maximise opportunities to build much-needed new projects while ensuring that we continue to do so in a way which safeguards our precious marine ecosystems.  

“A well-resourced planning system is essential to reach the Prime Ministers target of 40GW of offshore wind by 2030. We’re determined to achieve this in an environmentally sensitive way which reflects our values as responsible developers. We already work closely with other sea users and wildlife organisations to protect the rich biodiversity in UK waters, and this new funding will allow us to work even closer with two key Government departments to enhance this vital work”.    

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: RenewableUK