Offshore wind complains of “red tape” costs
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The hoops which offshore wind operators must jump through to get planning permission are hampering efforts to cut costs, it was claimed today.
A new report produced for RenewableUK found “consenting costs” have increased significantly in recent years.
The trade body’s report compared the average costs of getting consent for seven Round 1 and seven Round 2 projects. Between the two rounds, they went up 15% for each megawatt consented.
Nick Medic, Director of Offshore Renewables for the trade body said: “Offshore wind is a great British success story, already accounting for thousands of UK jobs. However, for it to fully develop as a sector, we understand that costs need to come down. The industry is working hard on this, but we need Government to do their part…
He added: “It is reasonable to expect that with the accumulation of experience, having built 1,183 turbines in UK waters, we should start seeing a consenting process with less red tape, resulting in savings of time and money.”
Article source: http://www.energylivenews.com/2014/11/12/offshore-wind-complains-of-red-tape-costs/
