TÜV SÜD PMSS has announced that it is completing two important studies for RenewableUK.
The first study will investigate the state of preparedness within UK Government departments, statutory advisers and key stakeholders to meet the projected three-fold increase in capacity of offshore wind consent applications from 2015. The successful path through the regulatory system is currently a challenging prospect which is further compounded by a number of other contributory factors, including:
• Decreased certainty as projects increase in size and scale, compared to the previous offshore wind licensing rounds; • Ensuring compliance with emerging legislation and guidance, such as the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the UK’s Marine Plans; • The Planning Act 2008 changing the manner in which developers and stakeholders must carry out their engagement and provision of advice, and the timescales over which the UK Government must give determination; • Addressing issues associated with cumulative impacts; and • Providing the evidence-base for in-combination assessments under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, particularly in relation to ecological receptors.
The second study examines the regulatory requirements governing consenting and construction, to understand whether these requirements are adding to costs and timelines and if so, to what extent. In particular, the focus will be on providing evidence of how the changing regulatory landscape has impacted offshore wind construction costs and timelines.
Dr Steve Freeman, Director of Environment at TÜV SÜD PMSS said:
“TÜV SÜD PMSS is delighted to be awarded both these projects, as it will enable industry and regulators alike to identify and then collectively overcome some of the consenting challenges which have the potential to hinder the successful deployment of offshore wind energy.”
Press release, November 27, 2013; Image: GE