The research, conducted independently by renewables advisor PMSS for Renewable UK, shows that average consenting costs went up 15 per cent for each megawatt consented from Round 1 development stages to Round 2.
“The average cost of consenting each MW of Round 1 schemes was £15,365.29 and at Round 2 was £17,668.71,” according to the study.
Renewable UK’s director of offshore renewables Nick Medic said in a statement: “e understand that costs need to come down. The industry is working hard on this, but we need government to do their part and make the planning system functions in an efficient and timely manner.”
“It is reasonable to expect that with the accumulation of experience, having built 1,183 turbines in UK waters, we should start seeing a more efficient consenting process with less red tape, resulting in savings of time and money,” Medic added.
The report calls on government to establish “an adequately funded, efficient planning system” to allow the industry to reduce costs.