The Crown Estate recently provided developers with an update on the progress of the Celtic Sea floating wind tender round, highlighting the UK government’s efforts to assess various spatial considerations related to potential wind farm locations.
In 2021, The Crown Estate unveiled plans to explore viable options for leasing opportunities for the first commercial-scale floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea, located off the coast of Wales and southwestern England. This innovative technology involves placing turbines on floating platforms that are anchored to the seabed, allowing for deployment in deeper waters compared to traditional fixed-base wind farms.
Throughout this process, The Crown Estate has actively engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, industry representatives, and other users of the seabed. The focus has been on addressing critical issues, particularly spatial planning to identify suitable areas for wind farm development. The aim is to refine these areas into project development zones, which will then be made available to the market through a tendering process. The complexity of the Celtic Sea region, characterized by various competing interests, has underscored the importance of resolving spatial considerations and policy drivers, with the support of the seabed manager.
The Crown Estate has now informed developers that it will provide further updates as the UK government concludes its evaluation of these issues. Additionally, the organization will soon release additional information on the program, as well as announce a date for the next developer webinar.
Gus Jaspert, Managing Director for Marine at The Crown Estate, expressed enthusiasm for the prospects of establishing floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. He emphasized the potential to harness new technology and provide clean, renewable energy to millions of homes, while also positioning the UK at the forefront of a burgeoning global industry. The development of floating wind projects offers opportunities for skills development, investment, and economic growth.
Jaspert further highlighted that the UK seabed encompasses a complex ecosystem with diverse natural habitats and crucial industries, renewable energy being just one aspect. The role of The Crown Estate is to ensure the long-term value of the seabed for the entire country, considering its various uses and demands. This strategic and holistic approach aims to facilitate the transition away from fossil fuels while concurrently supporting the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
The Crown Estate is actively assisting the UK government in reviewing the spatial considerations specific to the Celtic Sea, aligning with its mandate to minimize risks associated with offshore renewable projects at an early stage. The organization eagerly anticipates bringing developers together to provide them with the latest updates on the next steps in the process.
