The 2003 Energy White Paper 'Our energy future - creating a low carbon conomy' recognised that a key contributor to the government target of 10 per cent of UK electricity from renewable sources by 2010 would be offshore wind. Wind energy offers the best, and most cost-effective, potential for expansion of renewable energy in the short term. The UK has the largest potential wind energy resource in Europe.

Wave and tidal power are also expected to have an important role in supplying the nation's future energy needs and in meeting renewables targets.

The links below provide further details and context to the Government's offshore renewables policy and to related environmental research and stakeholder liaison groups.

The Crown Estate: ownership of the seabed

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Offshore windfarm leasing: Round 1

Offshore windfarm leasing: Round 2

Wave and tidal

Environment: Research Advisory Group

Northern Ireland

This site is updated on a regular basis. If you want to keep track of issues relating to offshore renewables, you can do so by visiting the site regularly. You can also subscribe to the 'Electricity Development Consents' newsletter which is produced 3 or 4 times a year and provides updates on onshore and offshore wind developments and the work of the Electricity Consents Team. The newsletter is available free of charge and you can register to receive it.