• Long-term investments in energy security, nature recovery, inclusive communities, and economic growth.
• Benefit the UK’s clean power and decarbonisation goals.

The Crown Estate, an independent commercial business in the UK created by an Act of Parliament, is stepping up its Capacity Increase Programme to increase the power output of offshore wind farms.

The seven existing offshore wind farms in England and Wales, with the help of the programme, will generate an additional 4.7 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy to power four million homes in the country and provide a much-needed boost to the UK's clean energy production and energy security.

In the UK, nearly 5 GW of offshore wind capacity has already been installed, with the aim to reach 50 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. The wind farms concerned were awarded rights in previous leasing rounds and have existing infrastructure and grid connections, meaning the upgrades can be completed much faster and more efficiently.

READ MORE: Is Wind Renewable or Nonrenewable? Get the Facts

The Crown Estate conducted a detailed environmental assessment called the Habitats Regulations Assessment before approving the programme. This was done to understand the project's impact on marine habitats and species.

The Crown Estate recommended proceeding with the project under special permission, with provisions for compensation to reduce harm to the environment.

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said: “Our purpose is to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation. Offshore wind enables us to do that as a driver of economic growth through jobs creation and supply chain development. Delivering the Capacity Increase Programme is an effective way to provide up to four million homes with secure, clean energy and further decrease the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, often sourced internationally.

“Balancing the needs of energy and nature is an important responsibility we carefully consider, and we’re confident in the environmental compensation measures which will accompany the delivery of the programme. As we look to the future, our leading and collaborative Marine Delivery Routemap will be well-placed to support prioritisation decisions and avoid nature impacts as much as possible.”

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Source: The Crown Estate