Abstract
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) estimates that we may need up to 140GW of offshore wind to reach net zero by 2050, compared to around 11GW operating today. Enabling this scale of increase would require a significant amount of seabed across the UK, requiring judgements about how we best manage the various demands on our marine environment. In this context, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland commissioned Arup to undertake this study into offshore wind deployment. The aim was to better understand the spatial implications of the deployment potential needed to meet net zero. This report, and the associated interactive web tool, provide an initial evidence base for the many stakeholders that have a role or interest in securing the UK’s clean energy future, in balance with the environment, and other marine industries, such as shipping and f ishing. The report does not constitute a marine spatial plan. In undertaking the study, Arup has modelled illustrative spatial scenarios for offshore wind development out to 2050. These investigate the potential implications for future relative deployment costs and offshore wind technology choice, in interaction with the environment, and other marine infrastructure and industries. The resulting output has enabled a more holistic consideration of the complex interactions concerning offshore wind deployment out to net zero than has been previously undertaken. The report sets out the specific methodology used, in addition to the assumptions which underpin the key considerations and recommendations. This provides an opportunity to reflect on how to approach consideration of the spatial and cost implications of deploying sufficient offshore wind to meet net zero. We will continue to work with policymakers, industry, and broader stakeholders as we share the findings of this work and explore how, together, we can deliver further offshore wind deployment. The project has been delivered as part of The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Evidence and Change programme which seeks to facilitate the sustainable and coordinated expansion of offshore wind to help meet the UK’s commitments to low carbon energy transition whilst supporting clean, healthy, productive, and biologically diverse seas. This study is a significant addition to the evidence base informing the future outlook for the offshore wind sector and illustrates the importance of working collaboratively in addressing how we can best manage our marine environment in the context of increasingly busy seas. The insights gained from the project will inform current initiatives such as The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Evidence and Change programme and UK Government’s Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme which are gathering further data and building evidence, using this study as an important reference point. © ABP