What are the UK government's plans for offshore wind energy?

The UK government is aiming to boost offshore wind energy production to meet its green electricity goals, but is considering exempting offshore wind projects from new biodiversity net gain rules to keep costs down.

How would new nature protection rules impact the offshore wind industry?

Offshore wind companies say the new biodiversity net gain requirements would add disproportionate costs and challenges to their renewable energy developments, potentially making it too expensive to build enough turbines to meet the government's targets.

What is the government's rationale for potentially exempting offshore wind from nature rules?

The government is trying to find ways to reduce the overall costs of building offshore wind farms, which have been rising due to inflation, labor shortages, and grid upgrades. They argue that the biggest threat to biodiversity is climate change, and that burning more gas due to higher electricity prices would be even more damaging.

Home / Environment / Offshore Wind Firms Seek Exemption from Nature Rules to Meet Green Energy Goals

Offshore Wind Firms Seek Exemption from Nature Rules to Meet Green Energy Goals

28 Oct

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Summary

Offshore wind companies say new nature rules would make it too costly to build enough turbines
Government considering exempting offshore wind from biodiversity net gain requirements
Concerns that higher costs could jeopardize renewable energy targets and lead to higher electricity bills

Offshore Wind Firms Seek Exemption from Nature Rules to Meet Green Energy Goals

As of October 28th, 2025, the UK government is facing a dilemma in its efforts to boost renewable energy production. Offshore wind companies have warned that new nature protection rules could make it prohibitively expensive to construct the vast number of turbines required to meet the government's green electricity targets.

Under proposed regulations from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), all nationally significant infrastructure projects, including offshore wind farms, would be required to enhance nature by creating 10% more habitat than was present before the project began. However, the energy firms have argued that complying with these "biodiversity net gain" (BNG) rules would add disproportionate costs and legislative challenges to their renewable energy developments.