Details of the potential “geospatial spread and cost of a future offshore wind portfolio that targets net zero by 2050”, have been outlined in the Future Offshore Wind study, published in April 2022. 

Commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), The Crown Estate, and Crown Estate Scotland, the study is intended to provide “an objective and evidence base to support future decision-making”.  It is not however, intended to represent a marine spatial plan or recommendation for future spatial development of offshore wind or other activities in UK waters.     

Over 700 unique permutations were modelled in the development of the study, each exploring different assumptions and uncertainties.  Among many other key factors, the study recognises the role that floating offshore wind has in delivering net zero targets by 2050 (acknowledging the 14GW plus of floating wind option agreements offered in the ScotWind Leasing Round).

The study concludes with a number of general recommendations, and notes that “balancing the interactions of multiple sea activities and environmental sites will be increasingly critical to economically sustainable offshore wind deployment”.  

To access the study, which is accompanied by a tool for selecting different pathways and scenarios, please follow the below link: 

https://www.futureoffshorewindscenarios.co.uk/