A new report from RenewableUK presents key proposals to extend the operational lifespan of offshore wind farms and improve decommissioning strategies. The UK’s first offshore wind farm began generating power in 2000, and several older projects are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Together, they have a capacity of 5GW.
The report, Developing effective end-of-life policy frameworks for UK offshore wind, makes several recommendations for governments and regulators, including:
- Clarifying policies on extending offshore wind farm lifespans to maximise value from existing sites, as the UK risks losing 5GW of capacity by 2035—one-third of current offshore wind generation.
- Developing measures for repowering, such as extending leases and building on recent government initiatives, including onshore wind repowering policies for future clean power auctions (Allocation Round 7 and beyond).
- Providing clear leadership on decommissioning, updating guidance to reflect the technical, commercial, and environmental challenges faced by offshore wind farm owners.
