June 6 (Renewables Now) - The Crown Estate has doubled to GBP 50 million (USD 62.7m/EUR 58.5m) its commitment to boost the growth of UK offshore wind at pace, whilst protecting the marine environment.

The body, which manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has committed a further GBP 25 million into its Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme, which aims to collect and harness the required data and evidence to support the growth of UK offshore wind but still keep the seas clean and biologically diverse.

The current portfolio includes 23 projects with a combined funding value of GBP 33 million. The additional funding announced today will be used to deliver research and data projects that should help speed up offshore wind deployment as well as projects that address already-identified priority bird, marine mammal and seabed habitat research gaps. Furthermore, there will be a renewed focus on floating wind and cable infrastructure, the body said in a statement.

“By doubling our investment in the Offshore Wind and Evidence programme, we can continue to provide world class data and evidence to support both government and the industry in making the best decisions to unlock the pathway to net zero, in harmony with healthy, biodiverse seas,” said Dan Labbad, chief executive of The Crown Estate.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). They are working closely with Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland government bodies, regulators, NGOs and various industry representatives.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.254/EUR 1.171)

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