It is anticipated that phase one of the project, focusing on UK Round Two wind farm projects, will be completed by June of this year. Some 15 site leases for Round Two offshore wind farm developments have been granted in the UK to date, paving the way subject to obtaining the necessary statutory consents, for the biggest potential expansion of renewable energy anywhere in the world. The 15 sites have a potential total capacity of 7.2 GW, equivalent to almost 7% of UK electricity capacity.

Some Round Two proposal developers are already engaged in Environmental Impact Assessments, which include the assessment of navigational risk arising from offshore wind farms.

Therefore, the Government, with assistance from BMT Renewables, is planning to disseminate information and guidance throughout the life of the research project to ensure that developers are able to address all relevant marine safety issues prior to the submission of their applications for consent.

BMT Renewables' managing director Dr Phil Thompson said, 'The project scope covers impacts of an individual wind farm and also more complex issues associated with cumulative and in-combination effects of multiple developments.'

The methodology being developed draws on the advice given to developers in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 275 M, 'Proposed UK Offshore Renewable Energy Installations'.

MJ Information No: 20312