Offshore wind - Powering through challenges

The need to secure public and cross-party political support

The industry is not currently doing enough to demonstrate the clear benefits of the industry in particular in terms of jobs (the sector supports 70,000 jobs today, with projections of 100,000 by 2030) and the benefits of energy security – the latter message having faded significantly in recent months.  Securing support across the political spectrum is possible.

Timelines

In the UK, offshore wind projects can take 9–12 years to deliver, with planning alone accounting for nearly half that time. While the process has been stable, there’s a clear push to accelerate timelines, as the recent trend has not demonstrated the expected reduction.  However, there is a high level of consenting success in recent months, as demonstrated by Mona, Morgan, Berwick Bank and Rampion 2.

Turbine Access

As access to Western-manufactured turbines remains a constraint the increased use of Chinese turbines seems inevitable in order to meet demand at the right price point. With this comes the need to work with advisors to eliminate or reduce uncertainty on geo-political risk, national security, bankability and ESG.  The announcement by Ming Yang last week of its proposed GBP 1.5 billion investment into the construction of a new fully integrated factory in Scotland to make turbines was particularly timely.

Flexibility

The need for governmental and regulatory flexibility to accommodate the demands and needs of developers was a common theme, as the timelines for planning consents, grid connection, bidding rounds and options for lease create friction.  The Crown Estate’s new products enabling option holders to draw down a lease early to make fees more manageable demonstrates a greater and renewed willingness on the part of the UK to resolve some of these difficult issues.

Global signals & data centre demand

Ireland’s offshore wind sector is gaining momentum, supported by a seabed consenting pathway through MARA and the MAC process, spatial planning through the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) and revenue support via the ORESS auctions. The policy background is increasingly supportive and Ireland’s long awaited new Private Wires Policy Statement was recently published, which opens the door to direct lines between generators and large energy users, such as data centres. Going forward, corporate PPAs and private wires from these high demand users are expected to add pull for offshore wind in Ireland alongside the CfD route. 

Outlook

Despite headwinds, the offshore wind sector remains cautiously optimistic. With over 50% of the UK’s electricity now generated from renewables—and offshore wind contributing a significant 17%—the fundamentals are strong. The right combination of policy clarity, market design reform, and investment signals can unlock the next wave of growth and innovation. The UK may be just one or two good decisions away from regaining its position as the world leader.

At this critical juncture, our cross-practice offshore wind team is uniquely positioned to support clients across the full project lifecycle. From navigating complex planning and consenting regimes and Crown Estate arrangements, to structuring bankable CfD-backed projects, managing construction risk, and advising on supply chain partnerships, we bring together deep sector knowledge with commercial pragmatism. Our experience advising sponsors, lenders, investors, and supply chain participants gives us a 360° view of the market—helping clients anticipate risk, unlock value, and deliver with confidence.